Alliance appoints Israel Desk coordinator

The Alliance for Progressive Judaism has appointed Carrie Shaw as its Israel Desk coordinator, the first ever position in UK Reform or Liberal Jewry to be part-funded by Israel.

The Israel Desk brings together a table of partners – Liberal Judaism, Reform Judaism, the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, Pro-Zion, Friends of Leo Baeck Haifa and Friends of Progressive Judaism – to work together on education, engagement and the co-ordination of messages and campaigns.

Carrie was born in Wisconsin and has worked all around America including in Jewish communities in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Her most recent role was as the student leadership and programming coordinator for Central Florida Hillel.

She recently relocated to the UK with British husband Ben, who grew up as a member of Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue.

Carrie said: “The Israel Desk will strive to connect Progressive Jewish communities in the UK, while networking with our Israeli partners.

“It will provide educational materials, ensure a truly meaningful and engaging connection to the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, and offer fulfilling events and fundraising opportunities.”

She added: “I am personally passionate about Israel, studying Torah and making Judaism as inclusive as possible.”

The Alliance for Progressive Judaism was set up in September 2014 by Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism – which together account for a third of synagogue-affiliated Jews in the UK.

The Alliance sees the two movements working together in many key areas from student chaplaincy and rabbinic training to social action and social justice.

Alliance chair Robert Weiner said: “I am very proud to see the Alliance working so effectively bringing together Liberal and Reform Judaism.

“We have seen in the last two weeks alone what a difference this collaboration can make and I feel immensely confident that the impact of this Desk will grown and grow under the stewardship of Carrie.”