The Man in the white suit, Martin Bell, speaks at WJR CONNECTIONS event
On Tuesday 16th September, WJR's (World Jewish Relief) CONNECTIONS committee hosted an evening with Martin Bell - raising over £2,000 for the CONNECTIONS scholarship programme that enables Jewish students in Former Yugoslavia to pursue their studies at university.
Martin Bell addressed more than 50 guests at a private home in Hampstead Garden Suburb, reflecting on his experiences as a journalist, politician, soldier and UNICEF Ambassador. Bell's position as a BBC correspondent during the 1990's Bosnian War struck a cord with the CONNECTIONS committee, which was established in response to the growing needs of Jewish refugees who were forced to flee their homes during the crisis.
CONNECTIONS committee member Aida Danon-Bavcic - who fled from Bosnia in 1993 with her husband and two year old son - made a moving speech, expressing her gratitude to WJR, whose support enabled her and her family to move safely to England. Aida got involved with CONNECTIONS in a bid to give something back to WJR. She commented: "It was the daily TV appearance of Martin Bell, the man in the white suit who had the courage to go to the most dangerous places and show the world what was truly happening, that kept me in touch with the plight of friends and family I left behind. He became a friend although we didn't know him and I am delighted that he is here to support WJR this evening."
The CONNECTIONS committee was established in 1990 by a group of women dedicated to playing a part in the challenging rebirth of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. They have mainly channeled their energies towards the support of Jewish students in Former Yugoslavia who otherwise could not have continued their studies following the war in the region in 1998. To date, over 220 students have been given assistance and 60 are currently studying through sponsorship raised.
Members of the Connections committee have just visited the Jewish community in Sarajevo where they interviewed the students who will receive scholarships for the coming year.
Notes to Editors:
Further information about the work of WJR's CONNECTIONS committee
80% of the Jewish population of Serbia was wiped out in the Holocaust and the remaining community either left the country or stayed and endured the strains of Communism, the Balkan Wars and major economic and political instability. There are currently around 4,000 Jews in Serbia.
As a direct result of CONNECTIONS work, these young Jews are enthusiastic about their religion, and are beginning to build a vibrant community and show they are publicly proud to be Jewish -- something that has not been done in a long time. But it isn't easy for anyone in Serbia, with massive unemployment and few prospects for even the most capable people. There is still a lot of work to be done, and CONNECTIONS always needs more support.
For more information call WJR on 020 8736 1250.
