World Jewish Relief is incredibly proud of our 11 strong team of runners who took part in the 2018 London Marathon on Sunday. They joined more than 40,000 runners on the streets of London, for the hottest race in the event’s history and have already raised more than £30,000 for the charity.

The runners included Rabbi Celia Surget from Radlett Reform Synagogue who was running her second marathon in two weeks having taken part in the Paris marathon a fortnight ago. The World Jewish Relief runners were cheered on by family, friends and staff members along the length of the 26.2 mile course.

Rabbi Celia Surget said ‘’The choice to run two marathons in such close proximity felt a little ambitious but I do not regret tackling it. It was a privilege and an inspiration to run for World Jewish Relief and show my appreciation for all that the organisation has done and all the good work it does. I am inspired daily by the words spoken by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel after he had marched besides Dr Martin Luther King: “I prayed with my feet”. Speaking out against social injustice and indifference from the pulpit is not enough. It is time to walk (run) the walk.”

Paul Anticoni, World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive, says, “The dedication people show to this event and to supporting World Jewish Relief is quite astounding. Through our charity’s outreach work so many people will benefit from what is effectively an incredible and often life changing experience for our runners.”

After the race Josh Edelman said “This is my first marathon and it feels like a great achievement especially because of the weather. It’s been great to have so much support from the Jewish community, World Jewish Relief and everyone who came out to cheer. It’s good to do something difficult for a great cause.”

Danielle Ellis said: “Finished finally. Hot, sweaty, but we did it. I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of money I’ve raised for World Jewish Relief and very very proud!”

Marcus Mendleson said: “I am very proud of myself to have finished and to have raised a significant amount of money for an amazing charity. My first experience of World Jewish Relief was 8 years ago when I went to Ukraine and I always try to be involved and will continue to be.”

Michele Nathan said: “It was really tough in these hot conditions but it was worth it and really amazing.”

Martin Pampel who has run a marathon every year for eight years, said “I’m an experienced runner but it doesn’t actually get any easier. I’ve often joked that I’d need to be on wheels or performance-enhancing drugs if I’m ever going to beat my 2015 record of 3 hours 21 minutes! I’m always spurred on by knowing I’m raising money for deserving causes and I chose World Jewish Relief because of their long and impressive history and their commitment to helping people regardless of their background’’

Dan Rickman said: “This is the most amazing experience of my life. I’m so honoured to take part in this event especially to raise money for World Jewish Relief which is such an amazing cause. I really wanted a time of 3’45” but in this weather I was happy with 3’50”, very happy”

Sam Rose said: “I’m really excited to run for World Jewish Relief, a fantastic organisation with Jewish values in its roots, helping those all over the world as well as (Syrian refugees) here in the UK. I’m proud of all the training that we as a group have put in for World Jewish Relief”.

A big thank you to all our runners including Joshua Edelman, Danielle Ellis, Marcus Mendleson, Michele Nathan, Martin Pampel, Dan Rickman, Sam Rose, Rabbi Celia Surget, Jack Swindon