Bushey Synagogue’s efforts on behalf of Afghan refugees have been recognised with the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award to its minister, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, alongside his wife Jacqueline and the shul’s Deborah Dobrin and Melissa Barnett.

The award, recognising outstanding individuals making a difference to their communities, was handed over by local MP and Tory Party co-chairman Oliver Dowden.

An appeal to worshippers in late August to donate essential items attracted an outpouring of support with some 3,000 large bags of goods brought to the shul premises.

Traffic was tailed back for three miles as people attempted to drop off their donations.

“You literally couldn’t get to the car park,” Rabbi Feldman said. “It was astounding.”

At the presentation, Mr Dowden said he was “delighted and honoured” to make the award to the rabbi and volunteers from the shul’s social action committee, Bushey Gives Back.

“Having worked closely with Rabbi Feldman as the local Member of Parliament, I know that his commitment to his community is unparalleled.”

The overwhelming response to the campaign was a testament to “both Rabbi Feldman, volunteers, his shul, and the wider Hertsmere community. I could not think of someone more deserving of this prestigious award”.