Wizo UK celebrated it centenary with a first-hand reminder of its welfare work in Israel.

Hosting its dinner at London’s Guildhall was Eden Harel, who went from the charity’s Hadissim boarding school to a job as an MTV video jockey, latterly becoming a star Israeli TV presenter.

She told the audience of more than 500, including descendants of Wizo founder Rebecca Sieff, that her Wizo grounding had instilled in her the confidence to succeed. “The people who took care of us had so much love. My success is your success. You are part of my family.”

Another overseas guest was World Wizo president Esther Mor, who said that “Israel without Wizo is like Adam without Eve”, going on to praise UK supporters for their passion and commitment.

Writing in the centenary brochure, Wizo UK chair Ronit Ribak-Madari looked forward to building on “the incredible achievements of our first 100 years”, by maintaining the charity’s ability to meet “the increased social welfare needs of an ever evolving country”. This would be achieved through the efforts of existing members and the fresh input of new supporters.

As dinner chair Sarah Glyn pointed out, Wizo meets the welfare needs of Israelis at every stage of life. However, its centenary beneficiary is a project for troubled teens — the Wizo Vocational High School in Jerusalem (School of Dreams).

Dinner proceeds of £1 million-plus will go towards the £1.8 million commitment.