U.K. Political Leaders Endorse Mitzvah Day

Mitzvah Day 2011; courtesy Mitzvah Day International

The leaders of all three main political parties; the Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour party leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg are the latest public figures to endorse this year’s Mitzvah Day, the U.K. Jewish community’s national day of volunteering.

25,000 volunteers from over 280 synagogues, charities, schools, Jewish and other faith organisations are expected to take part in events on Sunday 18th November, in practically every major town and city across Britain.

Encouraging people to support Mitzvah Day, Prime Minister David Cameron said, “Mitzvah day is a fantastic example of people coming together for the good of their community which is why last year I was pleased to present them with a Big Society Award. I was really impressed by their results with projects all around the country benefitting from the support of volunteers who gave up 50,000 hours of their time.

“This year Mitzvah day is forming part of A Year of Service highlighting the many community initiatives put on by people of all faiths. This great idea is joining together communities right across the UK with over 160 events taking place this year and I would encourage anyone who can to get involved.”

With only a few days to go before the event itself Mitzvah Day Founder and Director Laura Marks is also urging people of all faiths and none to get involved: “This year we are thrilled to be working even more closely with other faith communities this year as part of A Year of Service. We hope a record number of volunteers taking part and it’s still not too late to support Mitzvah Day.”