The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) welcomed a special guest from Krakow, Poland, and heard about the resurgence of Jewish life in the city.

Jonathan Ornstein from The Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in Krakow was the guest speaker at TLSE’s Shabbat service, where he was presented with a donation for almost £2,000 from the community’s High Holy Days appeal.

Jonathan spoke about how the JCC – which was opened in April 2008 by King Charles III – serves as the focal point for a blossoming of Judaism. Located in the heart of the city’s Jewish district of Kazimierz, it provides all parts of Krakow’s growing Jewish community with a welcoming space to meet, learn, and share ideas.

The Elstree community heard how the JCC now has more than 750 Jewish members and also 75 volunteers from all faiths.

It has also played a huge role in responding to the needs of refugees from Ukraine, as a result of the Russian invasion. It has now helped more than 220,000 people, 98% of who are not Jewish.

The service also saw an empty chair left for Abraham Munder (Abraham Gilad Ben Emunah) – the 78-year-old Israeli hostage currently being held by Hamas.

The seat will be reserved at all TLSE services and events and members of the community will be writing to Abraham’s family via the Board of Deputies ‘Adopt a Hostage’ scheme.