The contribution of more than 100 Jewish Games Makers and volunteers to the London Olympics and Paralympics was celebrated at a reception at JHub in West Hampstead.

Mitzvah Day, the Jewish Volunteering Network and the Jewish Committee for the London Games co-hosted the gathering.

Faiths Forum for London director Philip Rosenberg and Maccabi GB events manager Elizabeth Fishel were among the speakers, all of whom had volunteered at the Games in various capacities.

Among those present was Rabbi Maurice Michaels, a volunteer chaplain at the Olympics and Paralympics.
The experience, he said, had been “exhilarating and provided great satisfaction in knowing I was doing something useful and appreciated.

“But that was enhanced at the reception, seeing so many other Jewish volunteers, many in their uniforms, proud to have served the Games as Jews.”

Mitzvah Day founder and Board of Deputies senior vice-president Laura Marks said afterwards: “This event was set up to thank people from across our community for their achievements in helping to make the Games.

“This spirit can be used as a template for future endeavours where we can make a difference together.”