Jewish LGBT group Keshet UK becomes a charity

An organisation that works to support LGBT people within Judaism has become a registered charity.

Keshet UK has worked with schools, youth movements and community organisations to create a deeper understanding of the specific issues that affect LGBT people particularly in the UK Jewish community.

The organisation specialises in bolstering inclusivity, working with a number of rabbis - as well as running over 100 workshops for volunteers.

The group was galvanised by poor visibility of LGBT issues in the Jewish community - with some State-run schools accused of promoting groups that suggest homosexuality can be "mitigated and potentially eliminated".

“As a volunteer-run organisation, Keshet UK has gained momentum in the last two years and established itself in the UK Jewish community.

"We have built up a dedicated base of volunteers and private donors who have enabled us to grow to a point where demand for our services has stretched our capacity to deliver.

"This crucial step of charity registration will allow Keshet UK to move to a more sustainable model to achieve our core goals of training and education within the UK Jewish community.”

Jewish faith leaders were among those to speak out earlier this year , after an ultra-Orthodox man went on a stabbing rampage at Jerusalem Pride.

16-year-old Shira Banki was killed in the attack, and five others wounded - leading Jewish leaders to speak out against the horrific incident.