UJS Awards celebrate achievement in face of hostility

Liverpool Jewish Society was named JSoc of the Year at the annual Union of Jewish Students awards ball.

More than 150 students celebrated the work of Jewish societies and students across the UK and Ireland.

JSocs, individuals and events were nominated then shortlisted for the awards, with the winners announced on the night.

Big winners, Liverpool Jewish Society, was recognised for running events from bagels‑and‑board‑games to large‑scale mock bnei mitzvah celebrations, building links with the wider Liverpool community and welcoming students from all denominations.

Co-presidents Kezzy Miller and Eva Myers, said: “We are beyond proud of winning JSoc of the year at the UJS awards. This is such a testament to the tireless hard work that we have put in this year, making our JSoc bigger, louder and more inclusive than ever. Jewish students in Liverpool are thriving right now and despite everything going on in the world, we have such a high spirit and sense of community.”

Other winners included Alfie Joseph from York JSoc for the Maurice Helfgott award for leadership, University College Dublin JSoc for new JSoc of the year, and Levona Zarum from Aberdeen JSoc for the Alan Senitt award for outstanding contribution to campus life.

UJS also presented the Sir Victor Blank award to Sir Mark Gardner in recognition of the outstanding work he and CST do to protect the Jewish community, including Jewish students.

Louis Danker, UJS president, said: “It was brilliant to celebrate the achievements of our students this year. Amid such challenges, their resilience and pride should strengthen our confidence in the future of British Jewry. Thank you to all the UJS team for their work in delivering a phenomenal year of Jewish student life.”