ESRA Spreads its Wings

Lady Rosa Lipworth CBE (left) and Dame Shirley Porter

Student Tarkin Adago

Sir Sydney Lipworth QC

Photos: John Rifkin

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the second ESRA London fundraising evening on Sunday 15th September, 2019 in aid of ESRA's Students Build a Community projects What a special evening it was.

Sir Sydney and Lady Rosa Lipworth generously opened their beautiful home in St John's Wood to over 120 guests. With the sun shining in anticipation, guests were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy drinks and delicious canapes in the garden prior to the start of the proceedings. Introductory speeches from ESRA's Chairman Terry Morris and Chair of the London Committee Richard Stein were well received and set the background to the appeal as did the excellent and informative video shown that really brought to life the Build a Community project and the wonderful work done for the communities that ESRA serves in Israel.

We all very much enjoyed listening to the legendary Maureen Lipman give a humorous and warm speech covering such topics as her fondness for Israel, her family and the issues faced in the UK today – a particularly memorable quote being "if Corbyn gets in we will all need ESRA!"

Tarkin Adago, a student who has been working in the ESRA project for the past four years spoke next, telling of his aliyah from Ethiopia as a child and the challenges faced and overcome as well as his participation in the Students Build a Community program. His moving speech had the audience spellbound and it was a privilege to hear his story.

All too soon the evening had drawn to a close. I look forward to joining the next event and am sure that it will be as successful and informative. Thank you for bringing ESRA to London!