Pixie Lott was the star attraction but the ovation of the night at the Jewish Care young patrons dinner went to Holocaust survivor Renee Salt.
The 350 diners at the Marriott Grosvenor Square fell silent as an emotional Mrs Salt recalled harrowing encounters with Nazi officers. She urged guests to support the charity’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre in Hendon, which received the record-breaking £145,000 proceeds.
“It is our support system — a second home,” she said. “Our testimonies are recorded there so that our stories will never be lost and the Holocaust will never be forgotten.
“Counselling is available to fellow survivors dealing with emotional issues and other tragedies which beset their lives.
“Nutritious meals are served every day and there is always a plate of bread on the tables, a reminder that during the Holocaust, a piece of bread was often the difference between life and death.” Jewish Care chairman Steven Lewis hoped that having heard Mrs Salt, young Jewish Care supporters would visit the HSC. “I know it is not always easy to take time off work, [but] you will really be grateful you turned your emails off for a few hours while you meet some of the incredible people.”
Ms Lott — who performed a number of her hits — said she was “honoured to be here, doing my bit to help. It’s great to see so many young people supporting Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre.”
Young Jewish Care chair Jamie Landesberg told guests: “We are the future of our community. It is our responsibility to build on the work of our grandparents and parents to ensure we keep this fantastic organisation alive through donating both our time and money.”
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