Groundbreaking Jewish leader, Barry Shrage, shares vision with community

Billion dollar fundraiser flies in for first UK visit

Barry Shrage, the US Jewish leader who raised $1 billion, shared his vision for community on his first visit to the UK, hosted by UJIA and the Jewish Leadership Council (21 to 23 February 2010). Senior figures from across the community, both young and old, joined Mr Shrage to learn from his experiences and help shape a new vision for the UK Jewish community.

During his 22 years leading America's oldest federated philanthropic organisation, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Barry Shrage has earned a reputation as a visionary leader. He has revolutionised the Jewish community in Boston and raised over $1 billion for Jewish families in need across the world, including North America, Israel, Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union. Mr Shrage has been repeatedly named in the Forward 50 list of most influential American Jews for his groundbreaking insights into Jewish identity, continuity, education and social justice.

Barry Shrage, president, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, said:

"At this moment in Jewish history nothing is more important than leadership. Too often, we confuse leadership with management. We have many great managers, but very few great leaders who can tell a great story about the future of our community. I am looking forward to working with leaders of the UK Jewish community."

Nicky Goldman, leadership development director, UJIA, said:

"We are excited that Barry came to London to share his experience from Boston with us. He has achieved so much for Boston's Jewish community and I'm sure that our leaders in the UK will be able to learn a lot from him going forward."

Jeremy Newmark, chief executive, Jewish Leadership Council, said:

"We are delighted to have hosted Barry's visit to the UK in partnership with UJIA. Barry is one of the truly inspirational Jewish leaders of this generation and we are committed to ensuring that his talks with the leaders and future leaders of our community generate practical and positive outcomes."

See pictures from Barry's visit in our gallery.