The New Israel Fund’s annual human rights dinner in London was record-breaking in all senses with a turnout of 500 and proceeds of £500,000, the latter a rise of 33 per cent on the 2016 event.
Journalist Jonathan Freedland hosted the dinner, where awards were presented to two organisations promoting democracy and equality in Israel.
Yesh Din was honoured for its work within the Israeli legal system to defend human rights in the occupied territories. Morashtenu was recognised for promoting progressive values within the Russian-speaking community in Israel.
Accepting the award on behalf of Yesh Din, executive director Lior Amihai said: “I want my son to grow up in a country he can love as much as I do, one that respects human rights.”
Israeli music star David Broza, a New Israel Fund supporter for more than two decades, performed some of his biggest hits.
“Our dinner was a celebration of Israeli democracy and those who defend these values,” NIF chief executive Adam Ognall reported afterwards. “In the week we celebrated the Balfour Declaration, we were filled by optimism that so many joined us to support those working to fulfil the full promise of Lord Balfour’s letter and of Israel’s declaration of independence.”
He was heartened by the significant number of young supporters who attended.
