Esther Ranzten is the star of the show in Leeds

Esther Rantzen CBE was the star of the show at the Leeds Women's UJIA Annual Appeal Lunch, raising £23,000 to support UJIA's educational programmes in the UK and northern Israel (Tuesday 12 April 2011). Esther enthralled the record audience of 150 and recounted her years as a journalist and television presenter including two decades on BBC's That's Life. Esther also answered questions from the audience on a wide range of subjects.

The Leeds UJIA Women's Committee worked tirelessly to ensure that the lunch, held at the Banqueting Suite at the UHC Synagogue, was a success both socially and financially. The proceedings were opened by Liz Cohen, and Susan Appell was Guest of Honour. Norma Collins, chair of Leeds Women's UJIA commented:

"It was pleasing to see so many women at the lunch, not only to hear Esther Rantzen, but to raise money for the fantastic educational programmes UJIA is supporting both in the Galil and the UK."

Howard Foreman, UJIA's Regional Director, paid tribute to the committee for their effort and time in making this event another success and the leading event in the Leeds women's calendar:

"Times at present are not the easiest for fundraising, so it is a credit to the women of Leeds for supporting UJIA in record numbers."

Please visit our photo gallery to see more pictures from the event.