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‘Legendary’ Jewish Care fundraiser and president awarded an MBE in New Year Honours
Steven Lewis has helped Jewish Care raise over £150 million since joining the charity 35 years ago
December 30, 2025 10:49
Steven Lewis has helped Jewish Care raise over £150 million since joining the charity 35 years ago
December 30, 2025 10:49Jewish Care President Steven Lewis has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours after more than three decades of “tireless” service to the Jewish community’s largest health and social care organisation.
Lewis has been involved with Jewish Care since its formation in 1990, following the landmark merger of the Jewish Welfare Board and the Jewish Blind Society (JBS).
Already recognised at the time as one of JBS’ most inspirational young leaders, he played a central role in shaping what would become the largest Jewish social welfare charity in the UK.
Over more than 30 years, Lewis has served Jewish Care at the highest levels: as a Trustee until 2020, chairman for nine years, and now president.
During this time, he has guided the organisation through multiple significant mergers with Jewish social welfare organisations. He also served as a Trustee of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC).
Lewis founded the Adam Science Foundation in 1993, established following the tragic death of one of his closest friends, which trains and encourages young people to take on leadership roles within the Jewish community.
Within Jewish Care, his emphasis on partnership between professional staff and lay leadership has helped create a culture of mutual respect, reflected in staff and volunteer awards that recognise contributions across the organisation’s workforce of 1,300 staff and 3,000 volunteers.
The charity praised Lewis’ fundraising skills as “legendary”, estimating that he is responsible for personally raising over £150 million to date.
In his capacity as president, Lewis has continued to lead the Trustees and executive team in developing strategies to ensure Jewish Care’s services meet the needs of the most vulnerable across the whole of the UK. The charity is today the largest organisation in the Jewish community and one of the top 100 charities in the country.
Marcus Sperber, chair of Jewish Care, said Lewis continues to be a “true inspiration to everyone who knows him” and has worked “tirelessly” for Jewish Care for many decades. Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, said Lewis has had “the most profound impact” on the organisation and is “exceptional”.
Lewis said he is “deeply honoured” to receive the recognition. He said: “As a proud British Jew, I have been privileged to be involved with Jewish Care for over 35 years, and I have worked with the most incredible team of professionals and lay colleagues. It is a tribute to the superb staff, volunteers, and supporters who make Jewish Care what it is.
“I share this award with our community and remain committed to ensuring older people, Holocaust survivors, those experiencing mental ill health, carers, and families receive the support, respect, and care they deserve.”
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