The Former Prince of Wales yesterday hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark his 70th birthday, inviting representatives from each charity for which he is a Patron, including the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) and World Jewish Relief.

The former Prince has a longstanding relationship with the Jewish community and a dedication to remembering those affected by the Holocaust as well as more recent genocides. He has also championed World Jewish Relief’s work in building the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow and our livelihood development work.

World Jewish Relief was represented at the event by staff, trustees and Harry Heber, whom came to the UK on the Kindertransport. Pictured above are Harry and his wife Marion, as well as Dan Rosenfield, Chair of World Jewish Relief and our President, Henry Grunwald. Also present was Debbie Cantor, who runs World Jewish Relief’s Archives Team which enables those who came over before, during and after the Holocaust to access their family records.

Paul Anticoni, Chief Executive of World Jewish Relief, said: “As our Patron, His Royal Highness has been instrumental in commemorating the contribution of Holocaust survivors and ensuring that wider society heeds history’s vital lessons. His vision of flourishing Jewish communities, notably in Krakow, has created fresh, vibrant Jewish life in Eastern Europe and for that we owe him a huge debt of gratitude”.

Olivia Marks-Wolman, Chief Executive of HMDT, said: ‘We were honoured to be invited to celebrate our Patron’s birthday, alongside many others who work for important causes across the UK.

‘Survivors of the Holocaust and the genocides which followed are hugely appreciative of the Royal Family’s recognition of the importance of commemorating the dreadful persecution which they endured, and this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate his birthday.’

HMDT was represented at the event by survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur who sit on advisory committees to help inform the charity’s work. The charity’s Honorary President, Ben Helfgott MBE, Honorary Vice-President Sir Eric Pickles, trustees and staff were also present.