Members of Radlett’s United and Reform synagogues seized on an opportunity to set religious differences aside as they enjoyed a joint Yom Atzmaut celebration on Wednesday.

Although the third occasion that the congregations have got together for Israel’s birthday, it was the first time that they had used the cross-communal Clore Shalom Primary in Shenley as the venue.

The joint steering committee, headed by Radlett United’s Anne Ingram and Radlett and Bushey Reform’s Ruth Leveson, were keen to make it “a real community event”, with all food and entertainment sourced from guests.

Radlett United minister Rabbi Ariel Abel and his Reform counterpart Rabbi Paul Freedman were among the 185 revellers who joined in the programme of music and readings, preceded by a Yom Hazikaron service led by young Israelis visiting under the UJIA’s Magic Moments programme.

Rabbi Freedman told the JC: “Rabbi Abel and I were keen for our communities to celebrate Israel 60 together, and the enthusiastic organising committee benefited from a good mix of creative and dedicated members.”