Miliband: I’ve never felt closer to the Jewish community

Mr Miliband promised that his party would continue to fund security for Jewish faith schools if it came to power and pledged to take the lead in “fighting antisemitism wherever we find it”.

He said he would remember the need to prevent hatred and prejudice and act against them if he becomes Prime Minister.

Marking the charity’s 20th anniversary, Mr Miliband praised CST’s “extraordinary” achievements and its thousands of volunteers who provide security for the Jewish community.

He highlighted the charity’s work following the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby last year. “CST was quick to help manage community tensions,” he said.

Mr Miliband said the security organisation was “at the forefront of the continuing and crucial efforts to work for mutual respect and friendship between all of our communities”.

But he warned that its work was “nowhere near complete”.

There was further praise for the “extraordinary contribution” of British Jews to “every part of our society”.

Guests at the dinner in London included Shadow Cabinet members Yvette Cooper and Ed Balls, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.