The Zionist Federation of the UK has announced it has appointed Emma Bergen, a six year veteran of UJIA, as its new executive director.

She will replace Arieh Miller in March, who is leaving to be chief executive of the Union of Jewish Students.

ZF chairman Paul Charney said: “Emma is an exceptional young woman who has already achieved a great deal for the community and comes to the ZF with exciting ideas, passion for Zionism and a great aptitude for leadership.

Arieh has certainly made his mark on the ZF and whilst we are of course sad to see him go, this new opportunity leaves us with a real opportunity for the future of the ZF and for the future of the Zionist movement in the UK”.

He continued: “This year the ZF celebrates 120 years since our founding.

This year we will be celebrating Zionism, celebrating Zionist leaders and celebrating Israel. What better way to celebrate the ZF and this important anniversary than by appointing our first female Executive Director to work alongside me, the Board, our National Council and all of our members and organisations in truly celebrating Zionism”.

Ms Bergen, who is currently UJIA's community engagement manager, said: “Having grown up in the Jewish community, and spending more than six years working professionally in it, I am really looking forward to this next challenge and opportunity.

"The values of Zionism and the ZF are something that really speaks to my core and to be able to have a leading influence over the way this conversation is had inside and outside the Jewish community is an opportunity I am really excited to take on.

"Working at the UJIA has been great and I have had so many mentors and experiences that really gives me the confidence to bring all of that and more to this role and to take the ZF into its 120th year and beyond.”

The ZF elected its first female president, Estelle Gilston, last year.