Meet the JNF team
Meet the people driving JNF UK’s mission — our leadership, trustees, patrons and the teams in Israel and the UK who make it happen.
Our Trustee Board
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Samuel Hayek
Chairman
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Alan Mendoza
President
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Gideon Falter
Vice Chairman
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Belinda Oakland
Vice Chairman
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Laurence Julius
Treasurer
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Richard Bolchover
Trustee
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Cathya Djanogly
Trustee
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Roy Freedman
Trustee
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Timothy Kendal
Trustee
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Murray Lee
Trustee
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Mandi Waisman
Trustee
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Howard Wayne
Trustee
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Our Senior Management
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Elan Gorji
Chief Executive Officer
Elan leads JNF UK with a forward-looking vision rooted in community, compassion, and shared purpose. As Chief Executive Officer, Elan directs the charity’s mission to build stronger foundations for Israel’s most vulnerable communities, focusing on the people, places, and future generations that need support most. Under his leadership, JNF UK has deepened its commitment to the Negev and Galilee, transforming philanthropic gifts into tangible realities from state-of-the-art youth hubs and regional healthcare to urgent rebuilding efforts in crisis-impacted areas. Passionate about empowering the next generation, Elan also championed the JNF UK Fellowship Programme, creating meaningful pathways for young British professionals and students to engage directly with civil society. For Elan, philanthropy is never merely about grants; it is about partnership, dignity, and lasting impact. Working closely with dedicated trustees, donors, and grassroots partners, he remains devoted to ensuring every project strengthens the enduring bond between British Jewry and Israel while leaving a meaningful footprint for decades to come.
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Lindsay Davidson
Director of Finance
Lindsay brings deep financial expertise, strategic clarity, and a heartfelt commitment to community service in her role as Finance Director at JNF UK. A qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA), Lindsay joined the charity in September 2023, where she works closely with the executive team and Board of Trustees to steward the organisation’s resources with diligence and integrity. Her extensive background bridges both the commercial and charitable worlds from navigating complex capital markets and retail ventures to steering financial operations for essential communal causes, including the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. At JNF UK, Lindsay is driven by the conviction that sound financial governance is the backbone of meaningful philanthropic impact. Known for her open, collaborative approach, she takes pride in translating complex fiscal strategies into transparent, actionable plans that support vulnerable communities across Israel. Practical, dedicated, and deeply invested in the charity’s mission, Lindsay ensures that every contribution is safeguarded and directed toward building a resilient, vibrant future.
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Liz Jessel
Director of Marketing & Communications
Liz is a strategic fundraising and marketing professional with extensive leadership experience across the UK charitable sector. Having previously served as part of the Senior Leadership Teams at Norwood and Jami UK, she has built a strong track record of driving impactful fundraising campaigns, championing community development, and expanding organisational outreach. Her background reflects a sustained commitment to supporting vital non-profit initiatives and delivering long-term growth for community causes. At JNF UK, Liz applies her strategic expertise in supporter engagement and marketing development to advance the charity’s mission. Working closely with supporters and partners, she focuses on strengthening relationships and building sustainable support for JNF UK’s ongoing projects.
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Carolyn Addleman
Director of Legacies
As Director of Legacies at KKL Executor and Trustee Company, Carolyn focuses on overall strategy and operations as well keeping in close contact with clients to ensure all their legal and pastoral needs are being cared for. Prior to joining the company, Carolyn worked in private practice in a local law firm. She has a degree in French as well as her legal qualifications and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Honorary Patrons
- The Rt Hon Tony Blair
- The Rt Hon Lady Cosgrove CBE
- General the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE
- The Rt Hon Lord Howard KC
- The Prime Minister of Israel
- The President of Israel
- Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
- The Marquess of Reading
Our Israel Team
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Yonatan Galon
Director of UKI
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Dor Menachem Behar
Deputy Director of UKI
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Yakov Tevito
Finance Manager
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Naama Fuss
Team Manager
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Our UK Team
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