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Former UJIA chairman Brian Kerner dies aged 84
Mr Kerner 'was driven by a love and commitment to British Jews and Israel, but also a passion for getting things done efficiently'
January 6, 2019 09:53
Mr Kerner 'was driven by a love and commitment to British Jews and Israel, but also a passion for getting things done efficiently'
January 6, 2019 09:53Brian Kerner, a former UJIA chairman and vice-president of the Zionist Federation, has died aged 84.
Communal leaders paid tribute to Mr Kerner, who played a key part in setting up many of the community’s charities.
Jewish Leadership Council chair Jonathan Goldstein said Mr Kerner, who was involved in setting up the JLC, “was driven by a love and commitment to British Jews and Israel, but also a passion for getting things done efficiently.”
Among the many of the organisations that Mr Kerner helped to establish and lead was Bicom, the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre.
At the start of the second Intifada, Mr Kerner said there was a need “for a body able to orchestrate British Jewry’s political and public relations” and he brought together different Jewish and pro-Israel organisations, resulting in the Cross-Community Coordination Group (CCG).
Mr Kerner also chaired the United Israel Appeal and led the merger with Jewish Continuity that created the UJIA.
As chair of the CCG, he was also involved in setting up the JLC itself.
Michael Wegier, chief executive of UJIA, said: “Brian was a really lovely man. He is our first former chairman to die and he will be much missed”.
Mr Goldstein added: “He would always dryly observe that there were thousands of Jewish organisations in Britain, all replicating each other's work.
"Brian's lifelong push for cooperation and collaboration led him to have a hand in the creation of many of the institutions of UK Jewish life."
Mr Kerner is also credited with being one of the first Jewish leaders to combat the anti-Israel boycott movement.
He founded the Fair Play Campaign, the Jewish world's first standing anti-boycott umbrella group, and acted as its co chairman.
Mr Goldstein said: “Anyone who worked with Brian will also remember his sharp wit, his occasionally-risqué sense of humour and his love of Arsenal football club. Brian was a dedicated fundraiser who was always willing to lend support of his time, his resources, his connections and his passion.
“The British Jewish community was immensely enriched by Brian's work, and is poorer for his passing.”
Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, described Mr Kerner as “part of the extended family” of the deputies and a “great advocate for Israel and Jewish causes”.
Bicom CEO James Sorene said: "It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our founding board member Brian Kerner.
"Brian helped establish Bicom in 2001 and remained a very active member of the Bicom board. He was a passionate supporter of Israel and made a huge contribution as one of the UK Jewish community's most hard working and successful fundraisers for Israeli charitable causes.
"A man of immense compassion, great energy, determination and principle, he treated everyone with respect and warmth. He was the backbone of our organisation and we will miss his wisdom, support and sense of humour.
"We wish comfort and long life to his wife Sylvia, their children Jeremy, Stefan and Vanessa and all the grandchildren."
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