Drawn to support disabled artists

There was art with a heart at Marble Arch Synagogue for a Valentine's event supporting Ilan, caring for the handicapped in Israel.

Organised as a relaunch by Ilan's British Friends in association with the Ben Uri Gallery, it featured an auction of art by Ilan clients, raising nearly £12,000. A further £8,000 was generated by the sale of three works donated by Ben Uri artists.

The 120 guests were addressed by Ilan chairman Ehud Rassabi on the work of the charity at its 41 centres and schools, providing assistance to the handicapped from birth to the grave. As well as praising Ilan, Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor spoke about negative media coverage of Israel.

In total, almost £30,000 was raised for Ilan's artists and day centres and Ben Uri's Art as Therapy programme in London.