Prize-winning author, Howard Jacobson held over 130 guests enthralled when he spoke in conversation with Michael Hunter in the most magnificent surroundings of a private home in St. John’s Wood, London.
The occasion was ESRA’s first-ever fundraising event to be held overseas. Everyone present was captivated by the way Howard spoke openly on subjects from his own personal life, ranging from growing up as a Jew in Manchester to how he came to write his first novel whilst a lecturer at Wolverhampton Polytechnic.
Even though speaking in a light-hearted manner, Howard tackled some very serious subjects such as the rise of Anti-Semitism and Jeremy Corbyn and the current state of the British Labour Party.
The event was opened by ESRA’s Richard Stein, who was largely responsible for putting it together. Chairman, Baruch Tanaman, followed by outlining to a brand new audience ESRA’s twin roles of helping the integration of English-speaking Israeli residents by providing social, cultural and educational activities throughout its 20 branches, while additionally initiating and running almost 30 different projects throughout the country designed to help individuals and communities in disadvantaged situations.
Terry Morris, vice-chairman, addressed the audience specifically about ESRA’s ‘Students Build a Community’ project, but the show was well and truly stolen by one of the students, Tzlil Maimon who told her personal story and spoke about how she feels working in the project. Her emotions overcame her and the tears began to flow simultaneously playing havoc with her mascara and captivating the hearts of everyone listening.
The evening was a wonderful success as clearly everybody enjoyed themselves in the most elegant surroundings. A considerable sum was raised for the benefit of those in need and many more people are now aware of the excellent work that ESRA does and specifically in the ‘Students Build a Community’ project.
