For new B'nai B'rith Youth Organisation mazkira (national director) Hannah Minsky, the job is her first experience of BBYO.

The 21-year-old Birmingham University graduate went on Israel tour with RSY and had never attended a BBYO event until this summer. She was offered the post after no one with BBYO connections expressed interest.

However, what she lacks in experience of the movement, she makes up for in leadership background. She has been involved in Young Limmud, led a Maccabi summer camp and for years has helped with youth events in her Southgate and District Reform congregation. At university, she campaigned for Israel in the guild of students and went on a leadership trip to Israel.

She has spent the summer shadowing the previous leadership at BBYO, which has eight UK and Ireland chapters and runs camps and seminars.

"I've had a big crash course in BBYO," she said. "I'm different to most and it is a challenge, but coming from the outside means I can bring in new things."

Among her aims are strengthening the work of the regional chapters and building on provisions for sixth-formers with a separate programme at winter camp.

She will be supported in her work by BBYO's national executive, comprised of sixth-form members and movement worker Elliya Betito, who is serving BBYO during her gap year.