UNITED KINGDOM (VINnews) – A Jewish organization that started an initiative in 2018 mobilized thousands of volunteers across the UK and Australia on Christmas Day to thank frontline workers, including a survivor of the Manchester synagogue terror attack who returned to the hospital that saved his life.
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The effort, known as Time to Say Thank You, saw more than 4,000 volunteers deliver gifts and messages of appreciation to staff working through the holiday in hospitals, care homes, homeless shelters, fire stations and police stations.
Among the participants was Yoni Finlay, who visited Manchester Royal Infirmary to thank doctors and nurses who treated him after he was seriously injured during the 2017 attack at a synagogue in Heaton Park. Jewish News reports, Finlay was wounded while attempting to barricade the synagogue doors to prevent the attacker from entering.
“The NHS saved my life,” Finlay said, calling healthcare workers heroes for giving up their holidays to care for others.
The initiative was founded by Rabbi Alby Chait, who said the project is meant to highlight values of gratitude and service. This year’s effort reached communities including Manchester, London, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Radlett and St. Annes, as well as locations in Australia.
Organizers said plans are already underway to expand the initiative to additional cities and countries next year.