David Davidi-Brown, the Jewish Leadership Council’s director of development and strategy, is to be the new chief executive of the New Israel Fund in the UK.

He will take over in summer from Adam Ognall, who is moving to Austrailia after ten years in charge of the charity.

Mr Davidi-Brown has an extensive record of communal service, having previously worked at JHub, UJIA and Jewish Care. Before joining the JLC, he was chief executive of the Union of Jewish Students and he has volunteered with KeshetUK and Limmud.

He said he was “excited” by his new role. “My life and career have been guided by passion for Israel and social justice.

“Determined to build on the phenomenal success during Adam’s tenure, I am delighted to join talented colleagues and trustees in the UK, Israel, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and Switzerland."

For many people over many years, he said, “support for Israel was about buildings or defence. Today people around the world come together with the New Israel Fund to build a more equal and just society and defend democracy."

Outgoing chair Clive Sheldon and incoming chair Noeleen Cohen said they were “confident  that David will continue to build on the strong presence that NIF has as the leading advocate for human rights, democracy and equality in Israel, both in the UK and internationally. We were all so impressed by David’s authenticity and passion for our work.”

Since Mr Ognall took office, the charity’s income has risen from £1.2 million to £2.8 million in 2020. It enjoyed a record year with £3.8 million in 2018.