A Song for Israel hit the right note with the Brighton and Hove community as 650 guests packed-out Hove Town Hall for festivities including a Eurovision-style singing competition. Ten finalists were judged by the audience and a panel of experienced figures from the entertainment industry. They voted Stephen Melzack the winner for his performance of This Land, backed by his daughter, Louise, and Lizzy Leigh. A lawyer by profession, Mr Melzack performs regularly in cabaret, concerts and education workshops. The celebration was organised by the Sussex Jewish Representative Council and profits will go to a JNF food programme in Jerusalem. One of the organisers, Debra Goodman, said that support “far exceeded our expectations. I cannot think of another occasion in recent times where over 600 local Jews have gathered together at a cross-communal event.” Celia Barlow, MP, and the mayor, Councillor Carol Theobald, were special guests. Torah Academy nursery parent-governor Tessa Bass organised a party for the youngsters.