British Jewry has launched its response to the Ebola epidemic, with 14 communal bodies and synagogue movements from all denominations pitching in to help stop the spread of the disease.

World Jewish Relief, the organisation leading the Ebola Crisis Appeal, will use donations to provide medical supplies for health workers and awareness programmes in the countries affected.

4,500 people have died from Ebola so far, with a fatality rate of 70%. The World Health Organisation has warned that within two months, there could be up to 10,000 new cases per week.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “It is a mitzvah for us to do what we can to help fight the Ebola virus and to assist those affected by this crisis.”

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to the Movement of Reform Judaism, also highlighted the urgent nature of the cause, saying: “The Talmud teaches us that by saving one life, it is as if we have saved an entire world.

“I urge our community to support the WJR Ebola Crisis Appeal to save lives in West Africa, where the disease is having such a devastating effect on communities.”

WJR’s chief executive Paul Anticoni said: “This is a crisis we simply cannot ignore. The world is racing to contain the virus. Urgent assistance is needed to provide vital resources to millions at risk of infection.”