Liberal Judaism could benefit if Britain decides to remain in the European Union.

The movement is now eligible to apply for EU grants as it has communities in three countries - the UK, Ireland and Denmark - chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich told its patrons' dinner at the House of Lords on Tuesday.

For the guest speaker, Rabbi Gilad Kariv, the focus was on Israel. The head of the Israeli Reform movement said that the voice of Progressive Judaism was needed "more than ever" in his country.

Liberal Judaism could play a critical role by presenting the "neo-Zionist" vision required to sustain Israel as both a democratic and a Jewish state.

He said that, at the first meeting of the World Union for Progressive Judaism in London 90 years ago, its organisers had refused to put Zionism on the agenda because it might cause splits. As a result, the chance to shape Zionism in the formative years of the state had been lost.

But now the global movement had "a second chance. It is important we do not miss it for the future of the state of Israel and for the Jewish people."