Jewish community leaders meet to discuss potential charities merger
Dozens of Jewish communal leaders found themselves in the same room this week where the main debate was the number of Jewish charities and whether they should merge.
Changes at a national level were pushing many organisations in that direction, said Charity Commission head Paula Sussex, arguing that increasing demands for transparency and accountability can put a strain on resources.
The LEAD Jewish Leadership Council panel was chaired by JW3 chairman Michael Goldstein, whose organisation last year agreed to merge with the London Jewish Cultural Centre. “I have just come through nine months of a merger,” he said. “It is all about what is in the best interest of the community.”
The flagship event on Monday night was hosted by Lead, the JLC’s leadership development arm in partnership with the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) and welcomed 150 guests to the conversation.
“Paula urged better networking and sharing, including of organisations’ back office functions and premises,” said JVN director Leonie Lewis. “That doesn’t necessarily mean mergers, it can mean collaboration, which is something more Jewish charities are doing.”
Among the other issues discussed were young British Jews’ relationship with Israel. Ella Rose, president of the Union of Jewish Students, said the recent war in Gaza meant that many students were struggling with their relationship with the Jewish state.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
