Close to 200 people - including members of the wider community - attended a Yom Hazikaron commemoration at Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation. The shul's Rabbi Binyamin Bar led the service for Israel`s memorial day and the country's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. He said "had a feeling of awe as we reflect on the sacrifice of our beloved soldiers and Israel owing their independence, its very existence, to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it".

The children of the community made presentations and recited poems in tribute and there was candle lighting to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

The service was followed by Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations, with live entertainment and participation of the youth celebrating Israel's Independence Day. Refreshments included Sas`s famous falafel. Stalwart fundraiser Marilyn Salt thanked the tireless efforts of the organising team and announced that £1,500 had been raised, all the proceeds going to the British Friends of the Israeli War Disabled.