On Wednesday 19th November, World Jewish Relief was generously hosted by entrepreneur, philanthropist and Brighton & Hove Albion Owner and Chairman, Tony Bloom MBE, at a special event in Camden last week, held in support of World Jewish Relief’s Work Matters campaign.
More than 50 supporters attended the intimate evening, which was hosted in conversation with Jewish News Business and Tech Editor, Candice Krieger. The event highlighted World Jewish Relief’s commitment to helping vulnerable communities including Ukrainians – both in Ukraine and here in the UK – to find sustainable employment and rebuild their independence.
Bloom gave guests a rare insight into life inside modern football, explaining how data and analysis underpin recruitment and decision-making at Brighton & Hove Albion. He also spoke movingly about his grandfather, who introduced him to the club and influenced his lifelong connection to Brighton.
Bloom, who received an MBE in 2024 for his contribution to football and to Brighton community, spoke openly about the role his family played in shaping his approach to philanthropy through the Bloom Foundation, and why he has been a committed supporter of World Jewish Relief for many years.
When asked why the work that World Jewish Relief does and its Work Matters campaign resonates with him, Tony shared:
“World Jewish Relief is a fantastic charity. I’ve been on a couple of visits to Ukraine and Moldova to see their work, and it’s just the ethos of the charity of helping people to help themselves. Helping people back into work. It’s not just about handouts.”
Reflecting on the charity’s long-term commitment to vulnerable communities, Bloom praised the support to “hundreds of thousands of people who get the benefit, get the training, get the employment because of the wonderful work of World Jewish Relief.”
World Jewish Relief’s Chief Executive, Paul Anticoni OBE, also shared why work matters to him, the charity’s 92-year-old history of supporting people in crisis, and the impact of the Work Matters community who are committed to transforming the lives of 6,000 Ukrainians through employment over the next two years.
Anticoni shared: “A truly inspiring evening with Tony Bloom in conversation with Candice as part of World Jewish Relief’s “Work Matters” initiative. Tony gave an amazing insight into his football, business and philanthropic world highlighting his strong set of values. He reflected on his visits to see World Jewish Relief’s work in Ukraine and Moldova and shared his resonance with the charity’s commitment to “‘help people help themselves’. We’re deeply appreciative for Tony’s ongoing partnership, his belief in our mission, and for sharing such personal insights with our supporters.”