Judith Flacks-Leigh announced as HIAS+JCORE’s new Chair

HIAS+JCORE is delighted to welcome Judith Flacks-Leigh as its new Chair of Trustees.  

Judith replaces outgoing Chair Adam Rose, who is standing down from HIAS+JCORE’s board having served as a Trustee since 2013, and as Chair since 2016. Judith will commence her term as HIAS+JCORE Chair from 19th March. 

Under Adam’s guidance, JCORE entered the most significant period of change in its near 50-year history, culminating in the launch of a partnership with the international refugee protection agency HIAS in March 2023. This move has secured the organisation’s place as the leading UK Jewish voice on race and asylum, and significantly expanded its capacity and impact. 

Adam also steered the charity through the Covid-19 pandemic, and important role JCORE played in leading the Jewish community’s response to the 2019 Black Lives Matters protests and European Refugee Crisis. 

Judith joins HIAS+JCORE with considerable experience in the charity sector, and has spent more than a decade working in the Jewish community. She is currently Head of Communications and PR at Jewish Care. 

Previously, Judith was Head of Communications and Campaigns at the Jewish Leadership Council and has also worked at the Union of Jewish Students, where she is now a trustee. She has served on the boards of Jewish Women’s Aid and the women’s interfaith charity, Nisa-Nashim. 

Judith specialises in crisis and change communications, with extensive experience in strategic national, political and community-based campaigns, and is passionate about community, equality, and progress.  

Judith Flacks-Leigh, HIAS+JCORE’s incoming Chair of Trustees, said: “At a time where social cohesion, racial equality and advocating for displaced people are needed most, I’m delighted to be the incoming chair of HIAS+JCORE. I look forward to working with the exceptional and dynamic staff team and board of trustees as the organisation moves into its next phase, ensuring we are the Jewish voice at the forefront of these issues.” 

Adam Rose, HIAS+JCORE’s outgoing Chair of Trustees, said: “I am delighted to be handing on the role of chair to Judith Flacks-Leigh. Judith has a fantastic background in working on political and communal campaigns, and her energy and enthusiasm will help drive HIAS+JCORE on to the next level. I am also especially pleased to welcome the newly appointed trustee board, and wish HIAS+JCORE all success as it works to improve the wellbeing and rights of asylum seekers and refugees and to encourage positive race and community relations, based on its strong Jewish roots.” 

David Mason, HIAS+JCORE’s Executive Director, said: “HIAS+JCORE is at an exciting moment of growth, building from the steady and critical work of its previous Chair, Adam Rose. So with that, I am delighted that Judith has agreed to be our new Chair and take us forward. Judith comes with a passion for issues of racial equality and supporting displaced people as well as a knowledge of organisational change and strategic direction. I look forward greatly to working with Judith and supporting her in this role to develop our much needed voice.”