London Jewish students have launched an appeal to ensure that weekly Friday night dinners can continue through the year.

FND (Friday Night Dinners) has attracted an average of 40 to 50 students to celebrate Shabbat together each week.

But its current kitty is only large enough to fund three meals a term. 

Organisers are hoping to raise £15,000 from donors to subsidise a weekly service.

Liel Enkaoua, a second-year student from Spain who is studying biomedical engineering at UCL, said, “As an international student living away from my family, FND has been a tremendous source of comfort, a very special space to gather with other Jewish students and make worthwhile friendships. 

 “FND is the only reason I have decided to keep living in central London. It's a new home away from home.” 

Students are asked to pay £5 a meal, with a further £5 in subsidy coming from University Jewish Chaplaincy and UJS. 

London chaplain Rabbi Gavin Broder - known as Rav Gav to students - said FND had been "a really valuable project" over eight years.

"FND is the first abbreviation that university freshers learn; synonymous with kiddush, support, care and friendship," he said. "FND is what makes international students feel welcome and safe in a sometimes hostile environment.

"As the London chaplain, I am proud to see students continuing to take a leading role in organising FND ensuring that funding continues to be forthcoming. I look forward to meeting tens of new Jewish students in the weeks and months to come."

More details can be found on fndlondon.com