The first ever I Love Jews campaign is proving popular as celebrities, Royalty, politicians and the public take to the message.

“In our first week, over 2500 I Love Jews badges have been given out,” said Morris Rose, head of Board campaigns. “We are delighted that so many people are taking to wearing the badges and requesting them.”

The badges, which feature the I Love Jews slogan are available for free from The Board and among those spotted wearing them are Prince William at the recent England versus Italy Crazy Golf Championship, singer Rachel Stevens and actor Lee Evans.

“I’m pleased to do whatever it takes to show the world that there is nothing wrong with Jews,” said Prince William. “I have many Jewish friends and enjoy Jewish comedy. So yes, I Love Jews too.”

Over the coming months, more badges in the I Love Jews series will be released. A limited edition designer badge with all proceeds going to The Board will be created by Stella McCartney.

“My mother’s Jewish background is important to me and this is a way, I can give something back to the community,” Stella said.

The I Love Jews campaign was created by the Board as a positive way to combat the rising tide of anti-semitism and to show Jewish pride. Through positive images of Jews, the campaign aims to create dialogue with all members of British society.

Celebrities and politicians are supporting a new national campaign to combat the rise of anti-semitism.

The I Love Jews campaign promoted in association with the Board, as well as other synagogues and other Jewish communal organisations, will over the next 12 months promote the positive aspects of being Jewish and the enormous contributions Jewish people have made to British society.

Among those signed up to the campaign are Prime Minister Tony Blair, Conservative leader Michael Howard, London Mayor Ken Livingstone, football star David Beckham, Little Britain’s David Walliams and Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks.

Little Britain’s David Walliams said: “In entertainment, they say Jews run Hollywood, which is a good thing. Could you imagine what Hollywood would be like if it was run by some sheep, or for that matter, donkeys? Jews are the best people to run showbiz. You see, Jews are human beings. They have feelings. And having worked with my cuddly Jewish friend Matt Lucas for many years, I have seen first hand what a valuable contribution Jews make to the world. Britain needs Jews. We love you. I want to become one.”

Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “I love Jews, who doesn’t? They have given us great comedy, huge portions of food and support for all parts of Britain. And they know how to play tennis.”

Michael Howard said, “As a Jew, I love being Jewish, and I fully support this campaign, which has cross-party endorsement. As Jews, we should unite and be proud. I am certainly proud to be a part of this campaign along with other Conservatives.”

Broad President Harry Greenberg said: “We are delighted that so many prominent people have come on board to support this campaign. We are working with all sections of the community to ensure the next 12 months are a success and the slogan I Love Jews becomes a national statement.”

The Board is delighted to announce that it is supporting London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympics with a donation of the Abraham Franklin Stadium.

Named after London’s first Jewish taxi driver and marthon winner, the stadium in Stamsptead, north London can house up to 126,000 people seated and is equipped to Olympic standards.

“Abraham Franklin was very much part of London. Born of parents from Russia in 1878, Abraham loved London and its people. He was known throughout the taxi trade as the sporting cabbie. In 1902, he won the East End marathon,” said Board president Harry Greenberg. “The stadium was build in 1992 as a gift by his family and we are delighted that the Franklin Trust wishes to donate it for the Olympics.”

“Our great-grandfather was a real sports fan and we feel that it is right to donate the stadium to the Olympic bid,” said Jane Franklin-Berg. “All Londoners will benefit from this and we hope it will help towards the bid.”

The Board is to investigate allegations that politicians are using anti-semitism as a means to progress their own careers without actually understanding what anti-semitism is.

The move comes after recent reports that political groups such as Labour and Conservative have accused each other of anti-semitism.

The Board will be questioning leaders of both parties and quizzing them on what they know about being Jewish.

Among the questions being asked are:

1. If you imply someone is anti-semitic are you doing this in order to jump on the anti-semitism bandwagon?

2. Who was the brother of Moses?

3. Who was the first Jew to land on the moon?

“It’s obvious that career politicians are trying to use the increase of anti-semitism to build up their own careers. For years they couldn’t really care but now anything that shows Jewish people will be used by them,” said Board vice-president of community affairs Liz Abrams. “We don’t need politicians to only show interest in Jewish issues by trying to make something big out of nothing.”

The Board recognises free speech across the UK and when it saw the image of shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin and Tory leader Michael Howard emblazed on two flying pigs, it like many people laughed and didn’t consider it to be in any way anti-semitic.

“A couple of politicians thought it would be in their own career interests to make an issue of it. Quite frankly, we are sick of politicians who have on idea what anti-semitism is,” Liz Abrams added. “If it was anti-semitic, we would say so, but it is not.”