Leading rabbis from across the community have united behind a Jewish charity’s initiative to help millions of people in East Africa facing the prospect of starvation.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Rabbi Danny Rich, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and Rabbi Joseph Dweck are urging their communities to support World Jewish Relief's East Africa Food Crisis appeal.

WJR launched the appeal to help provide emergency food and water with the backing of 13 major communal organisations.

More than 16 million people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan need food, water and medical treatment according to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Drought, poor rains and conflict have decimated harvests in the region.

The charity said it will work with its partners on the ground to ensure help reaches the most vulnerable people.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: "It is a fundamental axiom of Jewish belief that we have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable people in our world, whether they are to be found within our own family, our own community or on the other side of the world - every human life is precious.

"That 20 million men, women and children face the threat of starvation in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria, should make us all pause to consider our responsibility to them.

“How can we enjoy a meal while millions face famine? How can we sleep soundly while millions lie awake from the pangs of hunger? I urge everyone who is able, to contribute something to this essential appeal."

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism, said: " I know our community will draw on our duty as Jews to give tzedakah, particularly at this time of year and will give generously to ensure World Jewish Relief can help those who are in need."

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism, said: "We cannot simply sit down amidst plenty when others are starving to death. Our humanity is defined by the depth of our solidarity with those who are suffering. It is our duty to care and to give."

Rabbi Danny Rich, Senior Rabbi and chief executive of Liberal Judaism, said: "Once again World Jewish Relief leads in providing the Jewish voice in the public and private generous response of the British people. Liberal Judaism joins World Jewish Relief in this effort."

Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi, The S&P Sephardi Community, said: "Our sages teach us that we must treat the property and plight of our fellow to be as dear as our own. We must not disregard the plight and suffering that people are experiencing in Africa.  It is our responsibility to heed the call with our best efforts."

Donations can be made to World Jewish Relief’s East Africa Food Crisis appeal by going to https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/foodcrisis or calling 0208 736 1250.