A Christian minister, who has been at the forefront of fighting antisemitism in the UK since October 7, has been recognised for her efforts at an awards ceremony which honours inspiring women in the Jewish community.

Reverend Hayley Ace, who co-founded Christian Action Against Antisemitism along with her husband Reverend Tim Gutmann, has organised and addressed numerous rallies calling for the release of the hostages, where she has spoken out against the sharp rise in antisemitism since the Hamas terrorist atrocities and the ensuing war in Gaza.

Presented with an honorary award at Jewish Care’s Women of Distinction Awards, Reverend Ace told guests at the London event: “It’s an honour to receive this award, though it shouldn’t be exceptional or different to say that racism is wrong. Antisemitism is wrong and something we should all fight.” 

Paying tribute to others who have stood alongside the Jewish community, she said: “Thankfully, many like me have been giving their time and doing everything they can to be supportive over the past year, and often, we don’t hear about it. But I would like to communicate that we stand with you in solidarity and absolute support.”

Also being honoured was Joanna Franks, a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon, who was presented with the Woman of Distinction Award.

Franks works at UCH and also privately, while also training medics at the Royal Free and UCL.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she was a pan-London breast hub coordinator and, nowadays, supports numerous health charities.

Thanking Jewish Care for the award, which was “all about celebrating women”, Franks told the 150 Jewish Care supporters: “Early diagnosis gives the best possible chance of a cure”.

If someone was found to have breast cancer, she said: “Please rest assured that there are some truly extraordinary people who are waiting to treat you, with compassion, with great expertise and, most importantly, in a customised and individual way.”

The lunch raised £75,000 for Jewish Care’s Sidney Corob House in north-west London, which supports people over 50 who have long-term mental health challenges.

(l-r)Jewish Care's Sidney Corob House social care coordinator, Tomas Munoz, Jewish Care Woman of Distinction Award co-chair Danielle Hess, resident of Sidney Corob House Gerry, Jewish Care Woman of Distinction Award co-chair Danielle Lipton, Sidney Corob House resident Sarah and registered care home manager Sandra Saintus (Photo: Jewish Care)

Paying tribute to the staff and residents at the home, Franks said: “I had the pleasure of touring the home recently, and I was blown away by the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the engagement and kindness of the staff and volunteers, and how it is a hive of creativity.

"Families can rest assured knowing that their relatives are with like-minded people with common values in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Sidney Corob resident Gerry, who spoke at the lunch, said that before he had moved to the home, he had been suffering from severe depression and had been “in a very dark place”.

When he moved into Sidney Corob House, he discovered “an enormous feeling of security, peace and a desire to further my life. The care that is given by the staff is exemplary.”

In a joint statement, co-chairs of the event, Danielle Hess and Danielle Lipton, said afterwards: “At this year’s awards, we were thrilled to present Woman of Distinction Awards, celebrating two amazing and inspiring women and recognising the incredible achievements of Miss Joanna Franks and Reverend Hayley Ace.”

Highlighting the work of registered manager of Sidney Corob House, Sandra Saintus, and her team, they said: “Sandra and her inspiring team have transformed the lives of so many, with their purpose to empower the residents and ensure that within the home, they have a sense of family, spirituality and community.”