Beacon of strength unites Jewish professionals
Created in the wake of October 7, the Beacon networking group is growing rapidly with events, partnerships and plans for mentoring the next generation
In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Jewish professionals Ben Peters, Josh Kanter, Josh Morris and Daniel Turgel recognised a shared need within the business community: many Jewish colleagues were feeling shaken, isolated and yearning for connection.
In response, they set out to create a network that would bring Jewish professionals from every sector together — a place to stand in solidarity, support one another, and foster a renewed sense of belonging.
Their mission became Beacon – “a network designed to ensure no Jewish professional feels alone in their workplace,” says co-founder Ben Peters, head of strategic partnerships at United Trust Bank (UTB).
“Through social, educational, cultural, leadership, and philanthropic initiatives, Beacon galvanises people from all industries, empowering them to strengthen their Jewish identity while building lasting connections, fostering a sense of strength and community.”
It all began with a simple but powerful first step: a small gathering of 15–20 people from a range of industries.
Fellow founder Josh Kanter, vice president at Ares Management, recalls: “Following October 7, like everyone, we were sitting at our desks, devastated, not wanting to speak to people, feeling all the horrors everyone felt. It was incredibly isolating – I spent time calling all my Jewish connections in my industry. We pulled together a small group, creating a safe space to talk. The first event left everyone feeling empowered. That’s when we knew we had to keep going.”
Beacon has put on several larger high-profile events, including the “Shining the Light” event at JW3 in November 2023, which drew more than 500 people to hear stirring addresses from Jonathan Goldstein, CEO of the multinational investment firm Cain International, Bill Benjamin, partner and co-head of Ares Real Estate, and television’s Rachel Riley. “This was a defining moment that proved the hunger for connection was real. We heard from people who had worked in the City for 15–20 years saying they had never felt so alone,” says Kanter.
Events since have included In Conversation with Danny Cohen at JW3 last year, where the president of Access Entertainment and former director of BBC Television shared his insights into media, leadership, and community. On October 7 2024, Beacon marked the first anniversary of the attacks with an online memorial session attended by over 150 people, featuring Bill Benjamin alongside October 7 survivor Lotan Pinyan.
Two months later, in December, over 250 people from the community came together once again for Chanukah Unplugged, an intimate and uplifting evening with acclaimed musician Israel Portnoy, hosted at law firm White & Case, where Daniel Turgel is a partner.
Most recently, in February this year Beacon commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day by welcoming survivor Manfred Goldberg MBE, who shared his life story in a moving address. Next month, on 19 October, Beacon is bringing over hostage negotiator Glenn Cohen, the former chief psychologist of the Mossad who served over 30 years as an Israel Air Force pilot, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes account of the ongoing hostage crisis at an event in north London, in partnership with WZO UK.
“We are not trying to reinvent any wheels,” says Kanter. “We just want everyone to know there is a place for them to come to, a network to feel safe in.”
Beacon’s programme has grown rapidly but it is about more than the events. Now with a rapidly growing database and a partnership with the Jewish Leadership Council the Jewish News, Beacon is on its way to becoming the leading organisation for Jewish professionals in the UK.
Turgel, a partner in the global M&A team at White & Case and co-head of the firm’s global technology practice says: “Beacon is relevant to everyone in the City – young or old – and all levels of seniority, we are all facing the same issues and dilemmas. People just want to be with others who understand. That’s the power of Beacon.”
Beacon is planning to launch a monthly newsletter acting as a hub to signpost and connect to other Jewish organisations, hold career days, as well as running social activities and cultural trips alongside a planned series of networking and industry specific events. There are also plans to launch a mentorship programme, connecting senior leaders with emerging talent in the Jewish community.
As Josh puts it: “The leaders of today are asking: who are the next generation of Jewish leaders? We want Beacon to be the place that answers that question.”
Claudia Mendoza, CEO of the JLC, notes how “Beacon is playing a critical role in building resilience, unity, and pride among Jewish professionals. By creating spaces where people can connect and support each other, they’re strengthening the entire community.”
“We want to create something long-lasting,” adds Peters. “In five years’ time, we want people to look back and ask: how did we ever function without it?”
Click here for information on the 19 October event with hostage negotiator Glenn Cohen