Michael Gove has paid tribute to the UK Jewish community at a gala dinner for the Jewish Learning Exchange.

The secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities discussed the Jewish community’s role in the country’s growth and the power of education and religion in shaping society. He said that thanks to organisations such as the JLE, “the unbroken story, suffused with light, goodness and inspiration of the Jewish people - the Jewish story - can continue”.

The dinner, held at the House of Lords and hosted by Lord Mendelsohn, was attended by 120 guests, who heard about the centre’s mission to provide high quality educational and social opportunities to young Jews of all backgrounds.

Lord Mendelsohn said: “The JLE holds a special place in the hearts of my family. The evening is a joyous celebration of JLE’s profound impact.”

Expressions of support for the gala dinner were sent from His Majesty The King and Rishi Sunak. The prime minister wrote that the charity “has had a positive impact and inspired thousands of young Jews in the UK over the past 40 years.

“The education and social opportunities it continues to provide teach Judaism’s relevance and deeper meaning to the young people in the Jewish community.”

Reflecting on the gala, Rabbi Benjy Morgan, CEO of the JLE, said: “The JLE fosters connections and understanding for a more harmonious world.”

The dinner followed the visit of Michael Gove to the JLE in August, in which he expressed his appreciation for the work of the Golders Green centre and showed an interest in the upcoming plans for its expansion.