JNF UK’s second Fellowship Programme has just wrapped up its two-day conference for year 12 students, designed to nurture future community leaders and strengthen young advocates for Israel.

Taking place this week, participants completed seminars where they gained leadership skills and received training on fighting antisemitism online. The fellowship cohort also visited the Houses of Parliament for an exclusive tour followed by meetings with parliamentary representatives.

Participants, who came from a range of secondary schools, sat down with Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, in the Israeli Embassy, and met Natasha Hausdorff, director of UK Lawyers for Israel.

One of the participants, Yoni Nemko, said it was “a privilege to take part in a discussion with Her Excellency, Tzipi Hotovely about the relationship between Jewish identity and Israel since the atrocities of October 7. The tour of the Houses of Parliament, including both famous chambers, was enjoyable and informative. We discussed initiatives to promote knowledge and understanding of Israel to the wider world, with parliamentary advisors.”

Elan Gorji, interim CEO of JNF UK, emphasised the significance of the training, stating: “We believe that by empowering our fellows with leadership skills and a deep understanding of combatting antisemitism, we are contributing to the development of strong, compassionate leaders of tomorrow, who can help educate and change the narrative on Israel.”

Michael Cohen, JNF UK’s Educational Manager and Fellowship Leader said the fellows received compliments on their “strong level of engagement and questioning skills.”

Established in 1939, JNF UK has mainly been committed to building and supporting people living across Israel’s underdeveloped peripheries and, since October 7 has increased its services in the country, assisting those most impacted.