JNF UK partnered with the Australian High Commission last week to hold their first ever event, where Hon. Alexander Downer AC addressed an audience of 150 people and spoke of the importance of the role that the Jewish people play in Australian Society, from politics to the Military. He also confirmed that Australia remained committed friends of Israel.

The guests who attended the event were from the Jewish, Israeli and Christian communities, as well as representatives from the Australian communities living here in the UK, representatives from JNF UK Young Leadership programmes, MPs, Israeli diplomats and celebrities such as Maureen Lipman.

Lord Weidenfeld was invited by JNF UK as a special guest of honour. Weidenfeld, who has launched a fund to rescue 2,000 persecuted Christians from ISIS militants, himself escaped Nazi-occupied Austria as a five year old, and spoke of how he remains incredibly grateful for the risks taken by those who helped him settle in Britain. He also gave praise to JNF UK who are supporting this initiative.

At the end of the evening Samuel Hayek, JNF UK Chairman, presented Lord Weidenfeld  with a beautiful commemorative medal, which was made out of a gold Jerusalem coin.