WJR raises £1.3 million at Annual Dinner to help lift people out of poverty

Click here to see Annual Dinner photos.

WJR’s newly appointed Chairman James Libson spoke movingly about the impact of the charity’s work which has spanned 78 years, since a group of people set out on a mission of Jewish rescue that led to the Kindertransport, saving the lives of tens of thousands of Jews. Since then WJR, previously known as CBF, has had extraordinary leadership and James Libson paid tribute to the passionate, visionary leadership of former Chairman Nigel Layton over the past 10 years. He introduced a theme for the evening by speaking of the need not only to relieve the symptoms of poverty, but to enable people to lift themselves out of such a chronic situation altogether.

Two volunteers, Marina Dobrovolska and Yevegenia Lopatnik who are from WJR’s new Jewish Community Centre in Kharkov, Ukraine performed in front of the guests providing a moving duet of Yiddish folk songs and sand art – a talent unique to the country. The song told the story of Jewish culture and history in the Ukraine, from shtetl to holocaust, from communism to the present day.

In the course of the evening, guests saw three emotive films that documented this approach, while demonstrating the harsh reality of life in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. One of these films focused on WJR’s unique Livelihood Development Programme, which is providing vulnerable people in Ukraine and Moldova with the skills they need to re-enter employment and secure a future for themselves and their families.

James Libson commented: “Sustaining people in poverty is not enough, so we are developing innovative, groundbreaking programmes to lift families out of the poverty trap, allowing them to live proud, self sustaining and independent lives. Through our Livelihood Development Programme, vulnerable parents are being provided with the necessary training to help them find work and improve their prospects. It truly embodies the highest level of Jewish giving – a gift that ensures the recipient no longer needs to rely on charity in the future.”

Another of the films focused on WJR’s home repair programme, which is providing that most basic of necessities to thousands of people; a secure, safe, warm home. Guests were moved by the story of 74 year-old Luisa, who lives alone in a condemned house in Ukraine and relies on WJR’s support for food, water and fuel. Luisa is one of the beneficiaries of the scheme, with extensive repairs carried out to her dilapidated home, and in the film she gave emotional thanks to WJR supporters in the UK for caring about her.

She said, “I didn’t even have a bathroom here. The only toilet I have is a small, dirty hole in the yard. But now, thanks to you, the builders are here. I’m going to have a proper toilet and additional repairs on my house. When I discovered WJR’s programme, I understood what it meant to be part of the Jewish family.”

James Libson also outlined the impact of the economic uncertainty around the world, which has made the need for support more acute than ever. “All these achievements only increase our obligation to do more. Every home we repair compels us to repair the equally decrepit home next door. For every person back in employment, there are thousands more living in awful dependency. Our message is compelling and universal. It is the strident Jewish voice that rails against poverty and injustice and says that where there is desperate need, there will always be a Jewish response. Your support is even more valued and essential than ever and so on behalf of all those we help, thank you.”

Click here to see Annual Dinner photos.