Join us for a great day out. Click on a Zone below to explore!
Jewish Living Expo 2012, organised by Jewish News, took place inside Wembley Stadium on Sunday 18th March.
Almost 10,000 people – more than double the expected number – packed out three floors of Wembley Stadium as the iconic venue, best known for hosting international sporting events, was transformed into the focal point of all things Jewish at the inaugural Jewish Living Expo.
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said, “It exceeded all expectations. It’s Anglo Jewry in all its exuberance; Full marks to the Jewish News for making it happen! May we continue to celebrate such great things in the community.“
Organised by the Jewish News and Media Group, and featuring many of the community’s biggest names, the Expo featured 200 exhibitors, more than 60 speakers and guests including Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould, Government Minister Eric Pickles and Deputy London Mayor Richard Barnes.
View pictures from the Expo here.
With eight zones – home, travel, lifestyle, simcha, food, community, education and kids’ – the day offered something for everyone.
The main stage provided eight hours of non-stop entertainment, hosted by LBC’s Nick Ferrari and Heart FM’s Harriet Scott. Events included fashion shows, dancing, children’s choirs, magic, and hair demonstrations.
The event kicked off with an address from Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, who also delighted the gathered crowds by singing Oseh Shalom with the Shabbaton Choir.
Former prime minister Tony Blair, former foreign secretary David Miliband and television presenter Claudia Winkleman made televised appearances to pay tribute to Holocaust survivor and British Olympic weightlifter, Ben Helfgott MBE, who was presented with a Jewish News Lifetime Achievement Award.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, who presented the award to Ben, said: “A real privilege of my job is meeting with Holocaust survivors, especially someone like Ben, who has enhanced the lives of others.”
Other highlights of the action-packed day including a question and answer session with Matthew Gould, Britain’s Ambassador to Israel who travelled to London especially for the event.
Following his session, which was proceeded by an equally-packed audience for Ask the Rabbi Live with Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, Gould said: “The Jewish Living Expo was a brilliant event. There was a real buzz, with thousands of people coming from across the community and across the country. I was very glad to be there, and to give my support to this excellent initiative.”
Other attractions included performances by a selection of school choirs and the Israeli Dance Institute, zumba sessions, cookery demonstrations, fashion shows and expert workshops in the corporate boxes overlooking the famous Wembley pitch.
LBC radio’s Nick Ferrari and Heart FM’s Harriet Scott hosted the all-day event. Nick said: “It was a superb event and I am amazed at how well put together it was.”
Headline sponsor and Simcha Zone sponsor, Paul Toeman said: “The number of people that came was fantastic and we’d definitely attend again.”
Check the website regularly, subscribe to the newsletter and sign up to the Facebook page for details of next year's event!
There is so much to see and do at Jewish Living Expo! Click an item below to explore!
Platinum Sponsors
???Jewish Living Expo 2012 ¦ Organisers - Jewish News and Media Group
Other Jewish News & Media Group exhibitions - TotallyJewishSimchas Live!
