Mitzvah Day, the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, is to move under the auspices of JW3.
Founded by Laura Marks CBE in 2005, Mitzvah Day sees tens of thousands of volunteers participate in projects across synagogues, schools, community centres and interfaith networks. Volunteers visit care homes, collect clothing for refugees, stock food banks and support environmental missions.
The cross-communal initiative began at JCC for London – the organisation that later became JW3 – before it became an independent charity in 2008. Its new chapter at JW3 is being backed by the Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Raymond Simonson, chief executive of JW3, said: “Mitzvah Day is one of the great success stories of British Jewish communal life. For 20 years, Laura and her team have built something remarkable – a Jewish-led movement that brings people together across generations, denominations, faiths and backgrounds, and turns Jewish values into practical acts of kindness, justice and responsibility.
He added: “For JW3 to help steward the future growth of Mitzvah Day is a real honour. We take that responsibility seriously. Our role is to protect what has made Mitzvah Day so trusted and loved, while giving it the organisational support to continue to thrive. At the same time, bringing Mitzvah Day into JW3 strengthens our own deep commitment to outward-facing social action.”
As JW3 marks its barmitzvah year, the centre will expand on its ongoing social action projects, such as the JW3 Food Bank and NHS Blood Donation Days.
Laura Marks CBE said she was “delighted” that Mitzvah Day would now come under the umbrella of JW3. “Raymond and the JW3 team understand both the heart and the importance of Mitzvah Day. JW3 has been part of the story from the beginning, and I believe it is the right home to help Mitzvah Day continue to inspire, connect and strengthen communities for many years to come.”
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