The loyalty of New Israel Fund supporters was evident on Sunday night as its human rights award dinner raised in excess of £550,000, close to the amount generated by last year’s physical event.

More than 600 people gathered online to celebrate the work of Israeli civil society during the Covid crisis in helping the most marginalised communities.

Broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Freedland hosted the awards, the first of which went to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which took up social issues early in the pandemic such as pregnant women losing their employment rights. It has also worked to uphold privacy and other freedoms, including the right to protest.

Acri spokesperson Maya Fried told guests that “if you are afraid to go out and protest and say what you have to say, then we have lost our democratic foundation [as a country]”.

The second award went to the Israel Women’s Network and Women Against Violence for their joint efforts to provide better support and information in response to the sharp rise in domestic violence during the lockdown.

One of those who benefited said: “I didn’t know there were good people in the world. Finally there is someone who cares for you. I was given so many good things, which I will forever take with me.”

Through its crisis action plan, the NIF has been able to provide additional funding this year to these groups and others at the forefront of crisis response.

There was also a special performance by Israeli singer Achinoam Nini (Noa).

NIF chair Clive Sheldon said that “having to hold the awards digitally enabled us to expand the audience and really showcase how the UK Jewish community connects to and supports this work — and the values our winners represent.

“In this year, full of multiple challenges for us all, the level of support we have received from our community is inspiring.”