ByMarcus Dysch, Marcus Dysch
A delegation of Britain's Jewish community leaders travelled to the United States this week to take part in the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) convention.
Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Jeremy Newmark, Board of Deputies president Vivian Wineman and Bicom chief executive Lorna Fitzsimons led the British group.
Other representatives from the JLC, the Board, the Community Security Trust and Union of Jewish Students joined the trip.
Mr Newmark said: "Many of the challenges we face are global in their nature and these events help us to ensure that our community benefits from the best available expertise and is part of a global response to those challenges."
Speakers at the three-day convention included Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu, American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Middle East envoy Tony Blair.
The British delegation met senior staff at the British embassy in Washington, Mr Blair and leaders of the US Jewish community. The three-day convention included forums discussing key issues such as Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Delegates also heard from US Congress leaders.
Carly McKenzie, UJS campaigns director, was part of the British delegation. She said: "For UJS this has been an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with students from overseas.
"Conferences such as these allow us to hear from some of the best in field. The advocacy world is ever-changing and it's a phenomenal experience to be able to learn from some of the most respected experts."
The British group also included seven members of the Young Jewish Political Network, a group aimed at engaging young activists in issues affecting Anglo-Jewry and Israel.