Local Leeds politician gets regional Jewish affairs role

An experienced local politician in Leeds has been appointed to a new key community regional position.

David Levene has taken on the role of Yorkshire and east coast external affairs manager, created by the Jewish Leadership Council as part of a programme to support regional Jewish communities.

The new appointment, who was a former executive member of the City of York Council, said: “I am very proud” to take on the role, to “work closely with the Jewish Community in Yorkshire and the east coast.”

“Having been involved with the community in York, it is an honour and a privilege to be awarded the opportunity to continue similar work.”

Levene, who holds experience in not-for-profit campaigning, has worked in the council since 2012, when he became the youngest person to attain the position.

In his role, he’ll facilitate advocacy in the region and support local political engagement, from the offices of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC).

Simon Johnson, Chief Executive of the JLC, said the new position “will be instrumental in bolstering the Jewish community in a key part of the country.”

Laurence Saffer, President of LJRC welcomed him to his role, adding: “We are sure he will be a great success in supporting and developing the existing community engagement infrastructure across the region.”

David’s appointment follows the instalment of two field workers, Marc Levy and Peter Speirs, in Manchester and Glasgow. The body plans to create two more positions to support communities across the UK.