As part of Liberal Judaism's commitment to "a progressive and democratic Israel", Daniel Needlestone has been appointed its first Israel and diaspora officer.
He will work closely with full-time shlicha Dana Friedman and the Liberal Judaism chairman and chief executive, Lucian Hudson and Rabbi Danny Rich, who were both recently in Israel to strengthen links with the movement's partners.
A graduate of UJIA's Adam Science leadership programme, Mr Needlestone is co-chair of Pro-Zion and founder and chair of the UK Jewish Teachers Association.
"I'm excited to have been given the chance to make Israel an even deeper part of Liberal Judaism," Mr Needlestone said.
This year, Liberal Judaism and its youth arm LJY-Netzer are running four trips to Israel. Nine LJY-Netzer members will be embarking on a gap year in Israel programme.