Two regional dinners addressed by Israel's former US envoy, Michael Oren, have raised almost £900,000 for UJIA projects.
Around £680,000 was generated from the dinner at Manchester Hilton, where local UJIA chair Nici Wertheim told the 350 guests of her aim to "boost UJIA's reach by catering to different sections of the community with new events and activities".
Making the appeal, UJIA chair Bill Benjamin urged guests to donate an extra 20 per cent to enable the charity to meet its goal of doubling funds available for vital work over the next four years. Films were screened to showcase different aspects of UJIA activities.They focused on gap year in Israel for 18-year-olds and development work benefiting children and families in the deprived Merom HaGalil area in northern Israel.
The Leeds dinner at Queens Hotel attracted 240 guests - the biggest turnout in 10 years - and raised £215,000.
Local UJIA chair Martin Harris said the charity was committed to "invest in programmes that will raise the level of knowledge, resilience and self-confidence among generations of young Jews and equip them with the skills and tools they need to assert their identity and support for Israel at school, university and in life". Discussing local involvement, he highlighted the twinning of Brodetsky School with the Hemed Primary in Merom HaGalil.
Mr Oren spoke about his life, from his New Jersey upbringing to his aliyah and political career. He praised UJIA for its efforts to support the disadvantaged.
