A Galilee moshav close to the Lebanese border has been chosen as Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue's first twin community.

Shtula was the target of the first Hizbollah attack in the 2006 Lebanon war, in which two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped.

Borehamwood congregants Simon Hoffman and Rowel Genn recently visited the village, which is home to 60 families. They were impressed by its synagogue and kindergarten and the plans to restore a derelict building for use as a community centre.

"Shtula matches the broad spectrum of observant and less observant Jews of our much larger community," Mr Hoffman said.

"While we were there, we also had the chance to discuss ways in which we could develop links, among them social media connections, gap-year involvement, matching bar- and batmitzvot and volunteering opportunities, as well as fundraising for particular projects such as a playground. It may be that we could organise a twinning arrangement between the kindergarten at Shtula and Gila, our own kindergarten at Borehamwood."

The twinning is part of the Hertfordshire congregation's 60th anniversary programme.