Holland Park nursery offers free places to Grenfell children

A NURSERY operating out of Holland Park Synagogue has offered two free places to children from Grenfell Tower families.

Keren Ben-Ezra, managing director of Keren’s Nursery, “felt compelled” to make the gesture as the nursery is just a few minutes away from the burnt out building.

“Like everyone else in the area, we were profoundly affected by the tragedy,” Ms Ben-Ezra said.

“We had organised a collection of toys and other goods to be donated to the children. But then we thought about how we could further help families who were caught up in the fire.

“We thought the offer of two places at our nursery would be a good next move. We have made our offer known to the people who are organising the relief operation. The children can join our nursery whenever they are ready to.”

The Holland Park nursery is one of three operating under the Keren’s banner. All have a Jewish ethos but there is no religious requirement for entry.

Staff and members of Holland Park Synagogue have been liaising with other faith and communal groups in the area to support the relief effort.

“The community has been very focused in doing all they can to help,” said Laurence Julius, its honorary president. “The offer of two nursery places by Keren’s is one of many kind gestures.

“If any good can come out of such an awful event, it is that the community is a lot more connected.

“We have seen all faiths come together since the terrible fire, which has got to be a positive.”

The New West End and Brondesbury Park are among other shuls to have offered assistance.

Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue members have collected thousands of items for Grenfell survivors, in particular toiletries, toys and clothes.