Israel educational charity StandWithUs UK raised £750,000 from its first crowdfunding event, which attracted some 1,350 donors.

The original target of £450,000 was surpassed in 12 hours and the money will go towards empowering students to stand up for Israel and themselves.

“We’ve been overwhelmed,” said co-chair Lana Saffrin Betesh. “Not just with the generosity but with stories from students and parents of the difference that StandWithUs is making and the support that they need.” 

Fellow co-chair Loretta Cash added: “With this incredible momentum, we are pushing forward so that we can do much more in the upcoming year. We have immediately initiated strategy meetings to ensure that we put these much-needed funds to wise use.”