The only way is Essex for star of young leaders conference

An Essex 24-year-old was a star of the summit meeting in Birmingham organised by Olami, a global forum for young Jews.

The event attracted 1,300 delegates from across the world and speakers including Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett and former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks.

Sacha Johnstone from Clayhall was chosen as one of 12 regional ambassadors and will promote Jewish leadership to students throughout Europe. He will also be involved in a high-profile leadership programme in Israel involving top politicians and entrepreneurs.

In his pitch, titled “How I came out of the closet as a Jew”, the Aish Essex representative said he wanted to encourage contemporaries to embrace their Judaism.