Israel-based banker Simon Monk has been made a member of Netanya City Council as the Number Two on the National Religious Party [Mafdal] List.

Mr Monk, 44, who is head of private business development at a major Israeli bank, has more than 20 years’ experience in the sector. Born in London, he made aliyah in 1994 and lives in Netanya with his wife, Nicole, and five children. He tells People: “As well as representing those who voted for me, I am also able to provide a voice on the council for British people who own holiday homes in Netanya.

“They pay local taxes but cannot vote, although I, of course, hope that by the time of the next elections, in five years’ time, most of them will have made aliyah. “I am passionate about the City of Netanya being a wonderful place to live and visit and will try and encourage as many British Jews as possible to do both.”

He has spent the past ten years on the executive board of the Israel British Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founder of the Moreshet Zevulun School in Netanya.