The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, Conservative Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet and vice chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel and former transport secretary and environment minister, addressed a packed Wolfson Hall at Central Synagogue, last Saturday 14 January (Parashat Shemot).

A staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish Community, she covered (both in her address and in answering questions) a number of topical subjects including antisemitism generally, the Crown Prosecution Service and antisemitism, Israel at the United Nations, the BBC’s coverage of Israeli related events, the expulsion of Jews from Arab countries and current transport issues in London.

Rabbi Lerer said “It was a privilege to have Theresa Villiers with us and she was a real inspiration to the audience”.

Chairman Mervyn Druian mentioned that “Theresa’s talk was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all those present”.

Rebbetzen Naomi Lerer gave a vote of thanks and presented Theresa Villiers with two books, one on the history of Central Synagogue the other on synagogues generally compiled by the vice chairman of Central, Leonard Fertleman.

Central Synagogue is embarking on an active programme of cultural events in its ‘Talks of Interest’ and ‘Kiddush Talks’ series, the latter being on a Shabbat after the service. The next talk of interest is by Holocaust Survivor Mala Tribich MBE, on Monday, 30 January, as part of Holocaust Memorial Day. Further information can be found on Central Synagogue’s website: www.centralsynagogue.org.uk.