The Blogs: Leadership is getting younger

Five years ago, as one of my first tasks as newly-appointed CEO of the JLC, I signed off on our supporting the Jewish News campaign to nominate 40 Under 40 and 25 Under 25.

We are delighted to be back supporting it once again and I am intrigued to see all those who are nominated.

In the five years since the last version, it is true to say that our community’s leadership is getting younger.

The leadership of major communal organisations has shifted to the generation in their 40s and 50s.

Programmes from LEAD, the leadership division of the JLC, such as the Adam Science Leadership Programme, and GameChangers, have given more and more people the tools and the confidence to exercise their skills in the leadership of the community.

Grassroots leadership has flourished, more people are becoming involved in the young sections of our communal bodies and a range of initiatives have been created by their vigour and determination.

Last time, a large number of young and talented female leaders – 16 of the top 40 – were recognised. Of the 25 under 25, four of the top five were women. I expect this trend to continue. Then there were the breeding grounds for the leaders. Last time, it was UJS, youth movements and Limmud that provided most nominees.

I expect that to continue this year, but also to see school governors, grassroots leaders and people within the Charedi community recognised.

Of course, I am biased towards BBYO as a breeding ground for leadership as an alumnus myself. I was proud the winners of both editions last time had also gone through BBYO.

The JLC is pleased to support the creation of this survey of the best of our young leaders.

Jewish news judging panel tasked with selecting the 18 Under 18 list

Lauren Blum Movement Worker, RSY-Netzer / Justin Cohen, News Editor, Jewish News / Rafi Cohen Mazkir, Bnei Akiva / Richard Ferrer Editor, Jewish News / Rachel Fink Headteacher, JFS / Andrew Gilbert Chair and logistics / Raphy Goldberg Director, Sinai / Simon Johnson CEO, JLC / Matt Kendler Assistant Headteacher & Head of 6th Form, Yavneh College / Dan Kosky Campaigns Director, UJS / Debbie Lebrett Headteacher, Hasmonean Boys / Shelley Marsh CEO, Reshet / Neil Martin CEO JLGB / Arieh Miller CEO, UJS / Patrick Moriarty Headteacher, JCoSS / Robin Moss Director of Strategy, UJIA / Barnaby Nemko Deputy Head (Academic), Immanuel College / Jonny Newton Head of Government Affairs and External Relations, CST / Adam Nickels Regional Director, BBYO / Esther Offenbach UJS President / Rabbi Benjy Rickman Head of Religious Studies, King David High School / Mel Shutz Assistant Head (Ethos), Kantor King Solomon High School / Nathan Servi Head of Education, Maccabi GB / Yoni Stone Mazkir, Noam / Sharon Wagner-Zauder Senior Israel Engagement Manager, UJIA / Imi Wise Mazkira, FZY