More than 100 young professionals joined us on Saturday 5 December for our Young World Jewish Relief Drive-In cinema event. The event was organised by the Young World Jewish Relief Committee in support of our Winter Appeal. On the freezing December evening, guests enjoyed Kosher snacks and the winter classic Love Actually from the comfort of their cars.

Aside from Hugh Grant’s mediocre dancing, a rock star’s unlikely festive comeback and love triangles galore, the programme included an address from Young World Jewish Relief Committee co-Chair Rosa Shaul and a compelling fundraising appeal. Guests gave generously to keep older Jews in Eastern Europe warm over the winter months, with donations on the night kindly matched by Genesis Philanthropy Group.

A message from Rosa: ‘Thank you to everyone who came and supported our first ever drive-in event on Saturday. Against all odds (lockdown, and not knowing when it would be lifted!) I was thrilled to see such a strong attendance from over 100 people across the community. In times of global struggle like this, it becomes even more important to help our elderly Jewish community in Eastern Europe. I am so proud that we were able to come together to support our global Jewish family. On behalf of co-Chair Katie and I, thank you to our brilliant committee and to the World Jewish Relief team for making the event happen. A special thank you to Genesis Philanthropy Group for supporting this event, and to the event’s sponsors CanO Water.’

Speaking following the event, Marina Yudborovksy, CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group said: ‘Congratulations to the Young World Jewish Relief Committee for putting on this innovative drive-in film screening. GPG is proud to support World Jewish Relief at this pivotal time, when the need to explore new formats for engaging young Jewish people through social action has never been greater. This drive-in screening is a powerful example for programming that allows young Jewish adults to enjoy shared experiences safely during the pandemic, while also having a positive social impact.’

Our Young World Jewish Relief Committee is for young people aged 18-35 who are dedicated to World Jewish Relief’s global work and becoming advocates for social change. They hold events, from panels to parties and everything in between, to engage young people in our work.

About Genesis Philanthropy Group

Genesis Philanthropy Group is a global family of foundations, co-founded by Mikhail Fridman, an international businessman, investor and philanthropist, and his business partners. GPG focuses its work on three areas of critical importance to the Jewish people around the world: supporting pillar Jewish organizations of the United Kingdom Jewish community in their efforts to provide meaningful and innovative opportunities for Jewish engagement to children, young families and young adults; strengthening bonds and common understanding between Jews living in Israel and throughout the world; strengthening Jewish identity of Russian-speaking Jews worldwide.  Please visit www.gpg.org for more details.

Members of the Young World Jewish Relief Committee prepare to welcome guests