The organisers of a joint Arab-Israeli fundraiser in Belsize Park have described their “delight” as more than 250 people turned up to “stop the spread of hate” and promote Muslim and Jewish unity.

Anna Marks, 24, Violeta Barrena, 28, and Muna Ileiwat saw queues for their event at St Peter’s Church, Belsize Square, last Saturday (August 2).

The trio hoped the fundraiser – which raised more than £3,600 for the medicial charity Medecins Sans Frontieres – would help promote community cohesion as devastating conflict continues to engulf Israel and Palestine.

Anna, a recent graduate from Clapham, said: “It was such a great turnout. We had music, food and a speaker from the charity.

“We’re glad that despite increasing tensions people were still able to come together to help promote cohesion.”