Jewish school in Leeds is only one in England to benefit from international emergency fund to secure a future after COVID

The Brodetsky Primary School, at Moortown, has been selected by London based Educating for Impact (EFI), to benefit from a pot of emergency funding worth 2.3 million euros - or the equivalent to around £2.1m.

EFI is a nonprofit organisation that works to promotes strategic change in Jewish schools and secure and strengthen Jewish communities in Europe. Along with international partners it has come together alongside two external funders to launch the European Jewish Community Day School Crisis Fund.

The fund has been set up as the economic impact of the pandemic has threatened European day schools, which play a central role connecting children and families to the local Jewish community and educating future leaders.

Without additional support, many schools would be unable to provide tuition relief to families affected by the crisis, and other schools face existential risk of closure. Most of the beneficiary schools were in precarious financial positions before the pandemic hit and with parents struggling to pay tuition, as well as regular donors unable to support schools, the situation has become dire.

Ronald S. Lauder, honorary president of EFI’s board of trustees and president of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, said: “Now more than ever, it is our responsibility as Jews to support Jewish communities in Europe by investing in their schools, which will guarantee their future. We must be particularly steadfast in that commitment during times of crisis. Historically, we have been able to overcome the greatest challenges by supporting each other and working together.”

Communities had to apply for grants and funds were allocated based on certain criteria.

Brodetsky Primary School said it was proud to have been the only Jewish school in England selected to be part of a five year enrichment programme under the auspices of EFI (Educating for Impact).

It is set to receive £5,000 this year for play equipment and further match funding to support fundraising efforts.

Dr Jason I Broch, chair of governors and Susy Hardacre, executive headteacher, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Throughout the Covid crisis EFI and the family of international schools have been a great support network which has seen us being able to provide continuous virtual education for the majority of our school through the lockdown closure period. All our primary school children were supported with an average of two lessons through zoom per day as well as access to a multitude of online resources.

"Alongside this programme, we hosted several school family events and birthday parties delivered virtually into people's homes."

The other schools set to benefit from the funds are based in Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Prague, Rome, Sofia, Tallinn.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers, click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins