Jewish Society: President

Growing up in London I felt disconnected from the surrounding society. It was non-Jewish, and I didn’t live in a local Jewish community. In fact, my life has been split between school in the UK and spending my holiday months with family in Israel. This enabled me to develop a wider perspective and a stronger sense of identity. As such I have been more aware of shortcomings in the Jewish society at UCL that I now come to address.

Firstly, I see that our community here is not truly integrated. Be it French or English Jews, Ashkenazi or Mizrahi, we still struggle to find common ground and operate with one strong voice. In a world that is still trying to break us apart, we must find a way to interact and be better united.

Secondly, we must educate ourselves on what it truly means to be Jewish and support each other. Many Jews still hide their identity, either out of a lack of understanding of their heritage, or out of fear. The result is the same. It is therefore imperative to build that identity in every member of our society so that we can face the world with pride and confidence.

Thirdly, armed with an understanding of our roots, I want us to engage with non-Jewish communities and act as cultural ambassadors, to explain to others what it truly means to be Jewish.

Being President of the Jewish society is not just an application to a role for me, but a duty and a commitment to a mission. I hope that you will recognise this commitment and endorse it.