Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely was among the crowd as Wizo UK resumed its Sponsor A Child lunch after a Covid-enforced break.

Held at Tony Page’s Island Grill in central London and raising in excess of £40,000, the event honoured Betty Crystal, who came up with the concept — a major Wizo moneyspinner worldwide — some 20 years ago. There were also guests from Israel, Austria and other Wizo federations.

Another visitor from Israel was World Wizo chair Anita Friedman, who expressed delight at being in the birthplace of Wizo, established here more than a century ago with the aim of helping women and children in pre-state Israel.

She added that Wizo had become the largest welfare organisation in Israel, empowering women, educating children and youth and improving the welfare of disadvantaged citizens from all sectors of society.

Although Israel was globally regarded as a high-tech nation, “if you scratch beyond the surface, behind the luxury hotels, you’ll find a country confronting a complex socioeconomic mix of haves and have nots.

“Many Israelis live in poverty and educational gaps between populations are growing — only deepened by the pandemic. Now more than ever, vulnerable populations are reliant on Wizo’s assistance.”

Ms Friedman appealed to those who could help to do even more.

“Israel’s greatest resource is its people and Wizo is committed to changing lives, enabling fulfilled and contributing citizens — and in so doing, ensuring a strong society.”