International Federation of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists

Pro-Zion Chair to Serve as Liberal Judaism's First Ever Israel and Diaspora Officer

Liberal Judaism has appointed Daniel Needlestone as its first ever
Israel and Diaspora Officer as part of the movement's long-term
commitment to supporting a progressive and democratic Israel. Daniel is
a member of the national council of the Zionist Federation,
currently serves as co-chair of Pro-Zion and is founder and chair of the
UK Jewish Teachers Association. He is also a regular Limmud activist,
cheder teacher, and a graduate of the UJIA Adam Science programme.

Daniel will work closely with Liberal Judaism's full-time shlicha, Dana
Friedman, as well as chairman, Lucian J Hudson, and chief executive,
Rabbi Danny Rich, both of whom have recently returned from a week-long
tour of Israel, where they strengthened links with the movement's
partners in the Holy Land and had a meeting with Jerusalem's mayor, Nir
Barkat. This year Liberal Judaism and its youth movement, LJY-Netzer,
are running four trips to Israel - one for 16-year-olds, one for
university students, one for young adults and one open to all. Nine
LJY-Netzerniks will spend an exciting gap year in Israel on the Shnat
programme, which starts in the autumn.

Commenting on the appointment, Lucian J Hudson said: "This is a big
priority for Liberal Judaism. Daniel brings a real appreciation of the
opportunities and challenges of a major policy responsibility for us.
We make an active contribution to developing relations with Israel and
the Diaspora, and Daniel will help us make even more of a difference."