The first executive director of Hazon Yeshaya is leaving after a year at the Israeli poverty relief charity to take on the same role at Jewish Child's Day (JCD).
North London mother-of-two Melanie Klass will be able to draw on two decades of media experience at the Evening Standard and Loot newspapers, as well as a stint with the JNF. In just 12 months at Hazon Yeshaya she oversaw a 25 per cent increase in fundraising.
Mrs Klass will replace Daniel Burger, who has spent five years as executive director of JCD and who is to take up the post of deputy chief executive at Magen David Adom UK. The 64-year-old JCD works to support Jewish children suffering from physical and emotional disabilities, abuse and financial hardship.
Describing JCD as "an incredible organisation", Mrs Klass said she was delighted to become a part of it.
"I look forward to building upon the existing foundations while embracing the culture of this truly unique charity."
She said her priorites would be building up education programmes at Jewish schools and cheders to show children the value of helping those less fortunate, as well as increasing awareness of JCD in the community.
"The younger generation are not necessarily aware of the exceptional work of JCD worldwide," she said. "I want to change that."
JCD chairman Joy Moss added: "She will be a first-class addition to the team, bringing with her a wealth of experience."
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