Congratulations to Karen Newman, who has been elected as a Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Karen – a Trustee of The Movement for Progressive Judaism and former Chair of Liberal Judaism – won a closely-fought by-election for the position.
She said: “I’m hugely grateful for the support my candidacy received from across the Jewish community, including from so many of our Progressive communities and Deputies.
“I hope my election, and my goal to be a persuasive Progressive voice at the Board’s top table, will encourage our synagogues to maintain and increase their presence at the Board of Deputies and continue to ensure it represents the diversity within British Jewry.”
Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg (pictured with Karen) welcomed her election and appointed her as Chair of the Board’s Security, Resilience and Cohesion Division, which focuses on the fight against antisemitism, the defence of our religious freedoms, and promoting good relations with other faiths.
He said: “Karen has both the expertise and experience to make an incredibly valuable contribution as we represent British Jews through turbulent times and pursue a brighter future for the UK Jewish community.”
Karen is the only woman and only Progressive Jew in the Board of Deputies’ five-person honorary officer team. She is also the first ever openly LGBTQI+ member of the Jewish community to be elected as a Board officer.
She has long and deep experience with the Board of Deputies, having served on a number of committees and – for the last 18 months – as Co-Chair of the Board’s plenary meetings.
Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky – Co-Leads of The Movement for Progressive Judaism – said: “We are thrilled at Karen’s election. She has played a major part in the growth and success of Progressive Judaism in the UK and Ireland – including the creation of our new Movement – and we know she will bring the same leadership, commitment and vision to this new role.”