Injection of youth for Board’s executive committee

“This is a journey that's already been started - the Board’s response to the Equal Marriage Bill was a perfect example, treating communal diversity with the respect it deserved, yet still reaching a unified position.

“Part of that is constitutional renewal to help promote the Board as a properly democratic institution, with contested elections, demographic balance and energetic people willing to do as well as talk.

“The executive committee has to lead the change and be seen to lead it.”

Mr Ofer, 35, said he was “really surprised” to be elected, but was glad to take up the position after missing out on a spot as vice-president in May.

“It's a great honour because I’ve been a deputy for just under a year, which gives real encouragement to new deputies and brings new voices to the Board.

“Also, this can really help my chances if I decide to stand again in two-and-a-half years. I have big ambitions.”

The Labour Friends of Israel member, who used to work in Parliament, said he would bring “a lot of really good contacts with politicians” to the job, as well as with members of other faiths and the business world.