Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves praised Israel’s economic success and “spirit of optimism and hope” in her keynote speech to UJIA’s business breakfast on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

“To look at Israel’s economy today is to witness the power of mind over matter,” she said.

In a reference to the mass protests in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempted sweeping reform of the judicial system, Reeves observed: “I know that their fight is not yet over. But for now, their success is Israel’s success. We should take great pride in the enduring strength of Israeli civil society.”

UJIA chair Louise Jacobs said that “when our friends and partners in Israel tell us that they are deeply concerned about Israel’s democratic foundations, we have a duty to listen and to take their concerns very seriously indeed.

“We know that a united Israel, an Israel in which all citizens feel they have a stake and access to opportunity, dignity and prosperity, is a strong Israel, a vibrant Israel, a moral Israel.”

The breakfast raised over £100,000 for UJIA projects providing educational and employment opportunities to Israel’s more vulnerable citizens – for example, Moona, helping Jews and Arab Israelis from communities with high unemployment rates to learn new skills.

Thanking supporters for their “incredible generosity”, CEO Mandie Winston said: “It is true that Israel faces challenges. But UJIA is as committed as ever to harnessing British Jewish support for Israeli citizens and strengthening Israel’s civil society.”