Just moments before a 35-year cornerstone of Jewish education in London was about to shut its doors, Chabad stepped in together with leading donors and community leaders in an extraordinary effort that helped secure around £12 million within days, saving the future of thousands of Jewish children for years to come.

Immanuel College in Bushey, the community’s only private Modern Orthodox secondary school (for ages 10-18), had announced last week that it would be closing this summer after 35 years. The decision came after mounting financial pressure, including the impact of taxes on school fees and broader enrolment challenges that made the future look unsustainable.

For decades, Immanuel has been a central address for Jewish chinuch in London, shaping hundreds of families and giving thousands of children a strong Torah-true environment within a modern academic setting.

The sudden announcement of closure sent shockwaves through the community, with parents scrambling for places and schools across London opening emergency options for affected students.

At the time, the administration described the decision as “painful,” explaining that changing dynamics in Jewish schooling, including increased movement toward state schools, had left the institution under severe strain.

But within hours of the announcement, a small group of parents refused to accept that this was the end.

“London, one of the world’s great centres of Jewish life, culture and learning… cannot be without a private modern Orthodox Jewish school,” one of the parents involved said. “The importance of Immanuel College to the fabric of that community was felt in every call.”

Together with a group of shluchim – Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin, Executive Director of Chabad.org; Rabbi Zalman Duchman, Executive Director of Colel Chabad; and Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, CEO of Lubavitch of Wisconsin – who were rallied by Rebbetzin Shterna Sudak and flew in from the United States, along with the parents, they launched a last-ditch effort to save the school.

They enlisted the financial commitment of the Meromim Foundation, the Charles Wolfson Foundation, and additional donors, triggering what quickly became a global fundraising effort.

What followed was a remarkable nine-day push that drew in donations, calls, and support from across the Jewish world.

The result was a dramatic turnaround.

Within just over a week, the campaign secured massive commitments, reported at around £12 million, effectively reversing the closure decision.

“I am delighted to announce that a solution has been secured to safeguard the future of Immanuel College”, the board, led by Daniel Levy, said. “This marks a pivotal moment. It ensures that Immanuel is not only protected in the immediacy but positioned to thrive for years to come.”

As part of the agreement, education entrepreneur Aaron Etingen, who has an exceptional track record and a clear commitment to the future of Jewish life and education in London and across the UK, will lead the next phase as incoming Chair of Trustees.

“We are truly delighted to support Immanuel College at such a pivotal time”, Etingen said. “This is more than an investment in a school; it is an investment in the future of Jewish education and community life.”