The Southend Friends of Israel has held its inaugural meeting.

Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation member Peter Baum said: "The newly formed group`s objectives are to promote goodwill and harmony among all faiths regarding Israel through a process of education and understanding and interfaith dialogue, working together in peace and harmony."

Discussions, debates, lectures, interfaith dialogue and social events will be a part of SFI's agenda. The organisers can be contacted on southendfi@gmail.com.