One of the UK’s longest established Israel friendship organisations, the Anglo-Israel Association, is set to relaunch its activities and has a new chief executive to spearhead its work.

The CEO is American Josh London, whose wife is British.

Said to have extensive contacts on the Washington “beltway” — the inner circle of political and security activity in the American capital — his mission in the UK is “to get work underway for a programme of AIA activity coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel”.

Founded in 1949, the association’s membership is mainly non-Jewish. Mr London is looking forward to strengthening its role in deepening the ties and understanding between Britain and Israel in fields as diverse as science and technology, medicine, environmental protection and agriculture.

“There are so many incredible opportunities for engagement with Israel today that represent a win-win for both countries,” he told the JC. “I’m excited to get to work amplifying and promoting them.

“The key is finding ways to harness Israel’s unique pool of talent and expertise that can inspire and enhance British fields of endeavour and vice-versa. The AIA is in an incredible place to nurture real and lasting partnerships.”

Before arriving in the UK, Mr London spent nearly 20 years in the world of Washington, most recently as the director of government affairs for the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. He has also worked as a wine and spirits columnist for a variety of publications.

Richard Bolchover, a director of the AIA’s corporate trustee, was “thrilled” by the revival of the association’s educational programmes. “It is a fitting time for the AIA to reinvigorate our work, building understanding and goodwill between the British and Israeli peoples”.