Targeting the new generation of givers will be a key task of Jason Greenspan in his new role as UJIA fund-raising director.

Mr Greenspan is confident his background in the corporate world will help him "to bring in some new ideas and new ways to raise money".

He starts work in October at a busy time for the charity, which is committed to launching a new round of capital projects in Israel.

These include renovating a Kiryat Shmona secondary school and a Druze middle school in Isfiya. It will also fund an Ethiopian community centre in Kiryat Bialik and a Safed nursing school.

In the UK, the charity is looking to increase the number of students who go to Israel to work and study during their gap year, as well as enlarging the Birthright programme.

Previously, Birthright was open to young adults who had not been on an Israel tour. Now it is available to second timers. It is also planning a London-based Centre for Israel Engagement.

Chief executive Michael Wegier claims UJIA's "major donor retention is remarkable. However, there is a challenge throughout the Jewish community in recruiting new younger major donors and that's something that Jason will be looking at."