More than 200 guests celebrated the 110th anniversary of JNF UK at a dinner in London on Saturday night.

Kadima MK Nachman Shai was guest speaker at the event attended by Hendon MP Matthew Offord. Israel ambassador Daniel Taub saluted JNF chairman Samuel Hayek for having "steered JNF from a rocky period to a position where it is playing a central role in the community's contributions to Israel".

One of the charity's main areas of support is the new town of Halutzit in the Negev established by evacuees from Gaza. A school has just been completed with JNF aid for children who were previously taught in prefrabricated huts.

Dr Shai also spoke to 70 people at Etz Chaim Synagogue in Alwoodley, Leeds, taking questions on the case for Israel. Earlier he met local communal leaders at a dinner and gave an interview on Jcom, the community's radio station.

Organiser Jo Krasner said the event was "a chance to talk about JNF and paved the way for future events in the Leeds community".