A tribute to Jonathan West, a champion of communal life
Jewish Care's new Sugar and Ronson campus in Redbridge is a testament to Jonathan's tenacity and talent, writes Daniel Carmel-Brown
As we prepare to open the doors of Jewish Care’s Sugar & Ronson Campus this summer, it marks a major milestone for the Jewish community in Essex and north east London, both now and for generations to come.
This has been possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our cornerstone donors, the Sugar family, and the Ronson family through The Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation, alongside a number of other key donors. Their support has helped realise our vision of bringing local services together under one roof in this state-of-the-art campus.
It is also testament to the tenacity and talent of Jonathan West z’l, whose vision and determination helped make this long-held dream of a new, purpose-built modern campus a reality.
Jonathan joined Jewish Care in 2017 and the redevelopment of Sinclair House into The Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge was a defining achievement of his later career. After a failed planning application, many believed the site could not be saved. Jonathan proved otherwise, helping reimagine it as a flagship care home and community hub for the borough’s Jewish population, and steering a complex project through to completion. As Lord Sugar observed, Jonathan “earned the respect of everyone involved through his professionalism, his judgement and his integrity”.
Jonathan sadly died on 10 April 2026, aged 58. Completing the build in May was an uplifting, moving and bittersweet moment. In June, 1,000 members of the community celebrated Jonathan’s life and achievements at Jewish Care’s Annual Dinner. Together, the West family, the Jewish Care family and the wider Jewish community in Redbridge paid tribute to Jonathan’s integrity, warmth and deep sense of responsibility that was key to bringing this campus to life.
Jonathan’s passion for the project was deeply personal and he has left a lasting mark on the wider community he grew up in and which Jewish Care serves. He worked tirelessly to create a state-of-the-art, sustainable, dementia-friendly campus to bring all Jewish Care’s local services under one roof, realising a long-held dream of the community.
When Jonathan became unwell in December 2024 and was diagnosed several months later, he resolved to live fully and normally for as long as possible, focusing on his family, completing his work, and finding joy where he could.
Born on 7 August 1967, Jonathan was the youngest child of Pat and Stanley West and grew up in Gants Hill, east London. Educated at Redbridge Primary School and Beal High School, he showed early signs of the commitment to community, fairness and humour that would define his life. A formative year in Israel in 1985 on shnat with Habonim shaped his Zionist identity and values and remained a touchstone throughout his life.
Jonathan studied law at Queen Mary University of London, graduating in 1989. The following year he began a relationship with Lisa, who would become his wife and soulmate. They married at New West End Synagogue in October 1993, the same month Jonathan qualified as a solicitor. Together they built a close and joyful family, and were devoted parents to their three children, Orli, Millie and Jacob, whose lives were grounded in the love, stability and example they provided.
Although Jonathan began his career as a matrimonial lawyer, he spoke openly about seeking more fulfilling work. After a brief period in property management and a return to legal practice, he found his true vocation in 2017 when he joined Jewish Care as General Counsel – a role he described as his “dream job”.
He quickly became a central figure in the organisation. Joining the senior leadership team in 2018 as Company Secretary, Jonathan’s remit expanded to include security, procurement, business continuity, insurance and property. In 2021 he was appointed Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement, respected for his judgement, clarity and calm authority.
His leadership proved critical during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under intense pressure, he delivered consistently and without drama to procure essential equipment for Jewish Care’s 1,300 staff while also supporting others across the sector; colleagues later reflected that lives were protected because of his foresight and resolve.
Jonathan was deeply committed to communal life, serving as a foundation governor at Ilford Jewish Primary School and playing a key role in its relocation to Forest Road. All who knew Jonny, across different areas of his life, describe a person who gave generously of his time and energy, often behind the scenes.
Known for his intellect and integrity, Jonathan was equally remembered for his wit and humanity. He laughed easily, put others at ease, and had a talent for finding lightness even in difficult moments. He valued loyalty, disliked pretension, and believed people should be judged by the legacy they leave rather than the status they hold.
Jonathan was proud of his wife, Lisa; his mother, Pat; his children, Orli, Millie and Jacob; their partners, Esther, Sam and Liora; and his extended family. A loyal friend, he was loved by so many — hundreds of people expressed this when they gathered to mourn at his levoyah and shiva.
Thousands of people benefited directly or indirectly from his work, and many more from his friendship and example. Jonathan West’s life was defined by family and community – both are richer for having had him among them.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Daniel Carmel-Brown is Chief Executive of Jewish Care
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