Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip and Watford combined for a "Good News from Israel" event hosted by Northwood United Synagogue.

As well as 160 congregants, the event was attended by staff and pupils of Bushey-based Immanuel College. After songs from the college choir and readings and recollections from other students, the gathering heard from speakers including Israeli Air Force major Ori Zaidman.

Regional group chair Stuart Soloway said: "It has been a pleasure bringing people together to create a different format for our annual commemoration. I'd like to thank Philip Skelker and the pupils of Immanuel College for their support and co-operation, together with all our Israeli speakers who enabled us to reflect the unique mixture of remembrance and celebration."

Also celebrating together were the Radlett and Shenley United shuls, creating a sea of blue and white at the Shenley Chapel venue. Guests enjoyed Israeli music and dancing to the sounds of the Joo Doo Drums and klezmer band She'koyokh. The 165 supporters had earlier participated in a Yom Hazikaron service conducted by youngsters from the two congregations.

Borehamwood Synagogue's celebrations featured the recently released Israeli film, A New Beginning, about the formative years of the nation. Associate minister Rabbi Boruch Boudilovsky was the organiser.

Two hundred people were at a concert at Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, staged by its Israel Matters group. It starred Israeli opera singer Tal Katsir, young organist Tristan Mitchard and the Epstein Trio.