Leaders back funding drive for Covid jabs worldwide

“Everyone should have a fair and equal chance of being protected against Covid-19, no matter where they live,” Rabbi Mirvis said, encouraging people to donate. His office is expected to further promote the appeal over the coming weeks.

Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Charley Baginsky has also praised the “simple yet wonderful idea.

“As Liberal Jews, we try and use every opportunity to make the world a fairer and more just place for all. This simple yet wonderful idea of giving a small donation after receiving our own vaccination really will achieve that and help so many people who otherwise may have suffered.”

Liberal Judaism has also reported that Oxford Jewish Congregation member Tony Samuel initially “played a major role in putting the campaign together”.

The retired advertising executive pushed the idea during meetings he set up with faith leaders and Unicef earlier this year, the movement said.

Mr Samuel was inspired by the success of the UK’s vaccination roll-out. “We’re so lucky in the UK to have free vaccination through the NHS and I’ve seen first-hand the excitement of people when they come out of the centres,” he said.

“Our idea was that, in this moment of joy, there is a chance for each of us to give something back and play our own small part in helping Unicef get people vaccinated across the world.”