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Next three months will be 'critical' for the Jewish community, says JLC chair

As he starts his second three-year term, Jonathan Goldstein speaks to our political editor about what he aims to do

June 4, 2020 10:24
Jonathan Goldstein
6 min read

Jonathan Goldstein has said there is no "greater sign of change" to the approach of the Jewish Leadership Council under his watch than the appointment of two female interim chief executive officers.

Speaking to the JC as he begins his second spell as JLC chair, the Ilford–born communal leader said he was "thrilled" by the recent confirmation that Claudia Mendoza and Michelle Janes would take over from out-going CEO Simon Johnson later this month.

But he insisted the changes should be viewed as a part of a wider "different approach" to the culture and operation of the JLC that he will continue to implement during his second three year term.

Asked about the image of the JLC as  a 'wealthy old boys club', Mr Goldstein says: "With no criticism of my predecessors or the people who were on the trustee board beforehand, I think that was best epitomised by one of the visits to the Prime Minister [a 2016 meeting at Downing St with David Cameron] of a group put together in previous years where there was no female representative.