The work of Jewish Care has been praised as a “shining example of community responsibility” by a high-flying source — British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh.

Addressing over 200 businessmen and women at a sell-out breakfast at Claridges, Mr Walsh said: “I am astounded about the work the charity does.

“It’s really impressive and I want to pay tribute. It is a truly wonderful service.”

Charity was never more important than when the economy was in trouble, he added.

The recession had certainly been bad for British Airways and the airline industry in general. “This is by far the toughest time I have seen in 30 years.” But he hoped that “determination, clear vision and strong leadership” would help his and other businesses to pull through.

He highlighted the importance to BA of the Heathrow-Tel Aviv route, which the airline has been flying twice-daily since 1994.

Jewish Care chairman Stephen Zimmerman told guests that it needed to raise £15 million annually to run its services. “It is our loved ones who we need to look after when they get older.”

Sponsored by Coller Capital, the breakfast raised £29,000 for the charity.