14 May 2018

Liberal Judaism has welcomed Marie van der Zyl, who serves on the management board of West London (Reform) Synagogue, as the new president of The Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Liberal Judaism’s Stuart MacDonald, a member of The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, was also re-elected unopposed as treasurer.

Marie and Stuart will be joined on the Board of Deputies officer group by Sheila Gewolb, Amanda Bowman and Edwin Shuker, who were elected vice presidents.

This is the first time in the Board of Deputies’ 258-year history that the majority of its officers are women. Marie is only the second female president, following Jo Wagerman (2000-03)

The new team are pictured above, alongside Board of Deputies chief of executive Gillian Merron – who is a member of Lincolnshire (Liberal) Jewish Community and Finchley Progressive Synagogue.

Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Liberal Judaism wants to congratulate Marie van der Zyl on her election to president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

“It is a significant moment for the Board of Deputies, as it elects a woman and a Progressive Jew to its helm. We wish her much luck and strength in her new role and look forward to working with her in the future.

“We are also delighted that Stuart MacDonald is continuing as treasurer. He is a fantastic representative of our movement and has done much to manage the Board’s finances effectively and efficiently.”