We were at the Gevim School in Be’er Sheva this morning, alongside students from Yavneh College, Borehamwood, to dedicate a new gym to the memory of Yavneh’s much-loved former headteacher, Dr Dena Coleman.

Described by former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks as ‘one of the great Jewish educators of our time’, Dena passed away in 2013, following a sudden illness. She had been expected to retire at the end of the academic year. Her husband, Gordon Coleman, was in attendance and spoke to the audience. Dr Coleman had served as a member of the JNF UK board and is fondly remembered by us.

The new gym is part of a JNF UK funded centre for the promotion of sporting and academic excellence. JNF UK supports a host of educational projects in the Negev.

The dedication was originally planned for last summer, but was delayed owing to the security situation. It was wonderful to see it finally go ahead today.