The largest Community event, the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run and Israel Festival returned on Sunday 23rd June 2024, with over 7500 members of the community coming together to raise funds for over 85 participating communal charities making it the biggest Fun Run to date.
As a rallying call for participants to start, each run was declared open with the blowing of the shofar by Rabbi Habib of Chabad Golders Green. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis officially opened the 1km run with Jonathan Prevezer, Chairman of Maccabi GB starting the 5km and 10km events alongside Alan Lock who joined the Royal Navy in 2002, but three years later, at the age of 24, lost his sight due to a rare genetic condition forcing him to retire from the Armed Forces. In 2023, Alan represented Blind Veterans UK at the Veteran Games in Israel.
People of all ages and abilities took part in the 10km, 5km, 5km walk and 1km, bringing the whole community together. Runners and spectators enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the day, including the Israel Festival which was new to the Community Fun Run this year. After completing their runs and walks, every participant received a medal marking their participation, courtesy of Israel Government Tourist Office.
The Fun Zone – sponsored by JNF UK – hosted multiple activities including the popular teacups fairground ride, climbing wall, photo booth, inflatables, glitter tattoos, iZorb, mini golf as well as a police van and ambulance for young people to explore and enjoy. Attendees were entertained with artistic performances throughout the day by Vanessa Class School of Dance and the Israeli Dance Institute. There was also a Football Masterclass by Football freestyler, Itai Lichtenstein.
The Charity Fair – sponsored by the JLC – showcased the incredible work of all the participating charities.
“The Maccabi GB Community Fun Run is now a firm fixture in the community calendar and rightly so. It is an honour to be a sponsor and to see so many communal charities come together with the wider community.” - JLC CEO Claudia Mendoza.
The event could not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors and partners including Board of Deputies of British Jews, CST, Dare 2b, Israel Bonds, the JLC, JNF UK, JVN, Israel Government Tourist Office, Saracens, Squires Estates and our exclusive media partner The Jewish Chronicle and we are grateful for all their support.
“The Maccabi GB Community Fun Run and Israel Festival is a testament to the strength and unity of our community; this event not only raises essential funds but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and collective purpose. Seeing thousands of people come together inspires me every year but feels particularly important at this trying time. Am Yisrael Chai!" - Jonathan Prevezer, Chairman of Maccabi GB.
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