Youth Aliyah Child Rescue 90th anniversary dinner raises £500k+

Over 270 guests gathered at the Nobu Hotel Portman Square on Monday 20th November to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Youth Aliyah Child Rescue and marking 70 years of the British Jewish community enabling the establishment of Yemin Orde Youth Village.

Originally planned to be a joyous celebration of 90 years of helping children from across the world to overcome challenging pasts and become integral members of Israeli society, the evening became a much-needed opportunity for people to come together in support of Israel.

The Chief Rabbi shared the moving prayer that he wrote for Israel, and guests joined him in singing the Hatikvah. The Rt Hon Grant Shapps, the most senior Jew in the British government, spoke about Israel’s right to defend herself, and against the increase in antisemitism in Britain.

Col Richard Kemp had planned to attend in person, having visited Yemin Orde Youth Village last week, but his work connected to the current conflict prevented him from leaving Israel.

Instead, he joined the event by Zoom and was able to share his recent experiences of the Lebanese and Gazan borders.

Several guests commented on how much they appreciated being surrounded by like-minded people, knowing that they could speak positively about Israel without having to qualify it.

The evening raised more than £550,000, as well as a commitment to a £250,000 project, to support Israel’s most vulnerable children during the current war and beyond.

To find out more about Youth Aliyah Child Rescue, click here.