More than 100 volunteers contacted 4,000 donors during the JNF’s 30th anniversary Green Sunday telethon which took place at the weekend.

The charity said the appeal, which helps fund school, colleges and youth programmes in the south of Israel, was the most successful in its history.

Although JNF has not yet released details of the money raised, a spokesman said the amount was double the total reached at the same stage last year.

JNF UK Chief Executive Alan Aziz said: “For three decades now, the Green Sunday telethon has been a highlight of the Jewish charity calendar. As every year, our donors welcomed our volunteers’ calls – many spoke of their fondness for JNF UK and the opportunity we give them to make a difference in Israeli society.”