21 March 2018

LJY-Netzer leader Lauren Keiles has won the Joy Cohen Award for Outstanding Young Leadership by a Woman.

Lauren received the honour at the UJIA (United Jewish Israel Appeal) Ladies Night event, held on Monday night at London’s Grosvenor House.

She was praised by judges for her leadership work within Liberal Judaism’s youth movement, Leeds University Jewish Society and the Union of Jewish Students.

Earlier this year, Lauren was also presented with the Emerging Jewish Leadership Award at the annual World Union of Jewish Students ceremony.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Liberal Judaism’s director of strategy and partnerships said: “I speak for everyone in our movement when I say how proud we are of Lauren and her achievements. She is a truly outstanding leader within LJY-Netzer, and beyond, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised so publicly.

“Part of what sets Liberal Judaism’s youth movement apart is the training, guidance and opportunities we offer for our young leaders to help them find homes for their own Jewish stories and inspire others to do the same.”

The UJIA Ladies Night is the UJIA Women’s Division’s biggest annual occasion, attracting more than 300 guests of all ages.

Lauren said: “I am so happy to have won this award. It felt very special to be part of an evening celebrating and raising money for the really worthy causes that the UJIA supports.”