JNF Liverpool
A gateway for many Jews desperate to make it to America, many never made it past this port city. Their children made a community rich in fundraising opportunities for the new JNF. Both rich and poor were always prepared to put their hands in their pockets to make a difference and the position of Liverpool in the JNF UK’s family has always been an important one.
Most money was raised the standard way during the 20’s and 30’s, through Bazaars, small dances and film performances. In these early years the Commission in Liverpool was split to include Southport and Wallasey and Mrs B Claff was the leading light, working tirelessly to ensure the quotas were reached each year. Through the War years efforts in the city focused on joint campaigns with other charities such as WIZO, and local-based projects. Max Clyman who ran the office was drafted and from 1941 to 1945 there was no office support in Liverpool other than an administrator to look after the Boxes and trees. After the end of the War the Community geared itself for the formation of the State of Israel.
As the truth came out of the atrocities that had been perpetrated, the Liverpool Commission grew in stature within the City as more people wanted to help. Some of Liverpool’s great leaders came from this drive – Sam Applebaum, Max Glassman, Norman Broxton, and Issy Karp amongst a host of others set up the two main committees in Liverpool. Sam Applebaum was in fact to become one of the longest serving members of the Commission and was made an Honorary Life President. Max Clyman was
now back after his National Service and he along with Benny Urding and Arthur Lerman ensured that the money flowed through the JNF coffers.It was at the end of the 50s that Solly Davies – who was Mr JNF – became the National Fundraising Chairman. Rosser Chinn instigated his position as it was recognised that he was unequivocally the best fundraiser in the country. His functions were always the best attended because they were the best run and most fun. Carrying on in that tradition was the larger than life Manny Charles. He, alongside others such as Sidney Endfield, David Rume, Sidney and Norman Heller, and Frank Gaier, successfully started the sportsman’s Events where celebrities such as Ken Dodd, Bernard Manning, Peter O’Sullivan and innumerable local comedians and football stars all turned out for JNF. help. Some of Liverpool’s great leaders. The 60s and 70s were halcyon days for the Liverpool Commission as the city became very pro-Zionist. Even the Lord Mayor – Louis Caplan – was Jewish. Shalom, the Liverpool Community Yearbook that had started in the early days of the Commission, continued to raise awareness for the Commission and was superseded by the MJRC Yearbook some 10-15 years ago.
Thirty years ago a young Geoffrey Berg started his JNF life. He was to become the Liverpool Chairman – following on from Frank Daly – and his enthusiasm breathed new life into what was a diminishing community in terms of numbers. After several years
at the helm Alan Bass joined Geoffrey and together they now oversee the work of the Commission with Helena Kay, in the office. Today, there is great enthusiasm for Green Sunday,
the Rosh Hashanah Appeal and the JNF Car Rally. The Liverpool Commission was also the first in the UK to celebrate the Centenary with a Gala Dinner in January 2001 in support of the Richard Isaacson QC Memorial Project.
Liverpool is and always has been the epitome of what the JNF stands for – a committed belief in supporting Israel for life.
Lunch with a Legend – Rabbi Malcolm Malits
Embarrassed, flattered and overwhelmed! That was how Rabbi Malcolm Malits said he felt after the many tributes and presentations lavished during a Town Hall dinner in his Honour on Sunday by JNF.
Rabbi Malits who holds an MBE. Family from Birmingham and Leeds joined with the community members for the Lunch With a Legend, organised by JNF Liverpool. Rabbi Malits is emeritus minister at Allerton Synagogue, which he served between 1964 – 1990.
At 84, he remains active on numerous communal bodies and is regarded as one of Merseyside Jewry’s finest ambassadors to the wider community. Rabbi Malits said he had based his life as a minister on the premise that everyone is important.
Substancial funds raised from the event will go to the Beit Issie Shapiro home for the disabled in Ra’anana.
Rabbi Malits said “It was a wonderful day and beautifully organised by the JNF’s Alan Bass, Geoffrey Berg and Helena Kay. “Most important of all, it raised a lot of money for a very deserving cause”.