A sell out crowd of 300 came to listen to Dame Maureen Lipman and Natasha Hausdorff – two of our community’s most formidable advocates for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

The joint Fed and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region (JRC) event saw Dame Maureen and Natasha in conversation with Raphi Bloom, The Fed’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing.

They covered topics including whether the Jewish community has a future in the UK, how the celebrity world has reacted to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the way the IDF has responded within the laws of war to the October 7 attack, why so many progressives were – and still are – silent on the rape of Jewish women, what the next steps are for the ICC and ICJ and how, as a community, we reclaim the true meaning of Zionism from those who distort it.

Guests were welcomed by Mark Adlestone OBE, the chair of the JRC and Honorary Patron of The Fed. Mark reflected on the crucial work the JRC has undertaken since October 7, leading the way on issues that have taken place in Greater Manchester but that have required engaging in dialogue with politicians at the highest levels of government. That work has also seen the JRC’s comments be carried on the front pages of national print media along with regular contributions on local, national and international news channels to ensure the community’s voice is heard loudly and clearly.

Turning to the local community, Mark reflected on the Talmudic concept of “Aniye Ircha Kodmim – the poor of your city come first” and reminded guests that we must not forsake those who are in need and vulnerable locally and that The Fed is the largest provider of support and care to Jewish people in Manchester.

Proceeds from the evening were split equally between The Fed and the JRC to fund their respective work.

We thank Dame Maureen and Natasha for giving of their time so generously and the response of the audience was reflected in the standing ovation they received at the end. Thank you also to MAG Financial for sponsoring the event, to Quooker for supplying a raffle prize and to Ruthless Images for the pictures. UK Lawyers for Israel Jewish Telegraph.