Requests to the United Synagogue for support over Pesach have risen by 10 per cent with, for the first time, more than 800 families asking for help.

In 2022, the US’s Chesed department helped 730 families with Pesach parcels and food vouchers. This year, 807 families have requested assistance.

The tailored support includes large bags of Pesach provisions for families of three or more and smaller bags for couples, or those on their own.

They contain Pesach essentials such as matzah and grape juice, staples like cheese and fish and additional favourites including pickled cucumbers, jam, mayonnaise, fruit juice, butter, stock cubes and tinned tomatoes. Biscuits and chocolate are additionally provided as treats.
The matzah for the food parcels has been donated by Rakusen’s.

For those who prefer to buy their own food, shopping vouchers for Tesco and Kosher Outlet are supplied at £60 per household.

In further support to those in extreme need, the US will cover the cost of attending a communal Seder in one of its shuls.

The US works through a network of local community care co-ordinators. The help ensure anonymity. The names of beneficiaries are not passed on to Chesed.

An online fundraising drive last week to fund the Pesach parcels — and provide critical support throughout the year — raised £525,000, with more than 2,700 donations.

Chesed head Michelle Minsky expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, “which means we have been able to raise additional funds to meet the growing need.

“But this is not something we can take for granted. I’d also like to thank our network of extraordinary care co-ordinators and local volunteers, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver the level of support that’s needed.”

Chesed beneficiary “Sarah” said its provisions “truly make the difference for us.

“Taking into account that we are on very low incomes and the cost of living is increasing, your project helps us to carry on.

“I don’t know how we could survive without it.”

The US also offers Jewish hospital visiting in Greater London and beyond with more than 30 chaplains on call. Ukrainian refugees are supported by drop-in centres run by a number of its communities.