Jewish schools network PaJeS hosts annual headteacher conference

More than 20 headteachers from Jewish schools around the country attended an annual conference held by PaJeS at the new Brighton and Hove Jewish Community Centre.

The conference, originally planned for the autumn term in Israel, focused on the educational impact of the October 7th attacks. It was the first opportunity that Heads have had to get together in person, to consider how it has impacted on the Jewish identity of students and how the community should develop educational delivery as a result.

Speakers included Danny Stone MBE, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, Spencer Lewis, headteacher of Yavneh College in Borehamwood, Rabbi David Meyer and an after-dinner address by Marc Sugarman, non-executive director of Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

The day concluded with Jewish Leadership Council chief executive officer Claudia Mendoza, who talked about what has changed since October 7th for the Anglo Jewish community.

Holli Hunter, Menorah Foundation headteacher said: “I was truly grateful for the opportunity to network with colleagues. The guest speakers were excellent, and the material covered was thought provoking.”

The event was supported by UnitEd, UJIA, Pincus Fund and The Leo and Betty Gruss Charitable Trust.