A 36-hour fundraiser held by British Emunah in memory of former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks raised £320,000, abetted by an appeal from Lord Sacks’ widow.

In a video plea to supporters of the welfare charity, Lady Elaine Sacks said: “Helping children in Israel is such an honour and a privilege. And in these difficult times, this help is needed more than ever.

“My dear husband was always so moved by our visits to the Emunah homes and day care centres on our visits to Israel. Now I, in turn, am now so moved by the support shown in his memory.”

Lord and Lady Sacks were long-time backers of Emunah, with a music therapy programme established in their name.

Other high profile supporters of the fundraising drive included the current Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, Maureen Lipman and Israeli President Chaim Herzog.

Emunah director Sharon Dewinter was taken aback by the number of donors — 1,500 — and their generosity.

“It was a real 36-hour rollercoaster,” she said. “We dreamed really big and raised a lot of money that will help Emunah continue its vital work.

“With a tiny staff team and no match funders until the final hours, this was a heroic effort by everyone — especially our ambassadors, who didn’t stop for a moment.”