Adam Science Foundation Alumni Network announces new co-chairs

The UJIA Adam Science Foundation Alumni Network has appointed two new co-chairs to lead it into the future. Simi Ben Hur and Ben Ullmann will replace the founding chair, Richard Kneller, this week (2 June 2010). The ASF Alumni Network is a forum for the exchange of ideas between past participants of the Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme and a way of putting communal organisations in touch with talented and motivated young professionals.

Simi Ben Hur is currently public affairs manager at the Community Security Trust (CST) where she liaises with decision and policy makers on antisemitism in the UK. She is also involved in the anti-BNP campaign and tackling antisemitism on university campuses. Simi is also vice chair of the Young Jewish Political Network, a pool of young professional political activists dedicated to the future of the Jewish community in the UK and Israel advocacy. Simi has been actively involved in Jewish communal life since her time as a member and a leader in Bn'ai B'rith Youth Organisation, leading Israel Tour as well as numerous summer and winter camps and more recently led a Birthright group.

Ben Ullmann works as the public affairs officer for the Jewish Leadership Council, a role he was appointed to through the Legacy Heritage Fellowships. Ben previously worked on crime and justice research for Policy Exchange, a Westminster think tank. He graduated with a joint honours degree in mathematics and philosophy from the University of Bristol where he also served a year as chair of the Jewish Society and later as President of the Student Union. Ben spent ten years in a Jewish youth movement, first as a participant and later as a leader; in 2005 he lead a group on Israel Tour. In May 2010, Ben was selected for the Jewish News' "40 under 40" list of young Jewish leaders.

Simi Ben Hur and Ben Ullmann commented:

"We are delighted and honoured to be the new co-chairs of the Adam Science Alumni Network. We hope to build on the sterling work of our predecessor, Richard Kneller, and provide a platform for strong and continued leadership for the British Jewish community.

"Over the next 12 months we will be campaigning to make the voices of our members heard on matters concerning British Jewry and will encourage Adam Science graduates to take on leadership positions within the community."