Joel Jacobs

Executive Director

I joined FZY at a local chavura in Redbridge as a 14-year-old participant in the mid 1990s. In the thirty years since, I have been on a journey across FZY's wide breadth of programming at a local, national and international level, enjoying programmes such as Israel Tour, Hadracha B'Shemesh, Year Course, Veida and much more. I started my time in FZY as a participant, before transitioning to be a madrich and finally to an employee. I have worked with FZY full-time for more than 20 years, first in the UK and latterly in Israel after my Aliyah in 2008. For the last decade, I have held the role of Executive Director, helping to manage FZY's staff and programming behind the scenes. I currently live in Modi'in, Israel with my wife and two daughters.

I first experienced FZY almost a decade ago as a participant on Israel Tour, and it was a life-changing experience that sparked my passion for Zionism and Jewish leadership. A few years ago, I returned as a Tour leader, and last year I proudly managed the entire Israel Tour programme, successfully bringing over 400 participants to Israel. Over the past few years, FZY has played a central role in shaping my journey, and as the biggest Zionist you’ll ever meet, I’m driven by a deep commitment to inspiring the next generation to connect with Israel, their Jewish identity, and each other.

Joel Bayford

Rakaz Tochniot / Programme Co-ordinator

I first led Israel Tour with FZY two years ago, an experience that solidified my passion for guiding young people through meaningful and transformative journeys. Returning to lead Tour again this summer has only deepened that passion, allowing me to bring both experience and fresh energy to the role. My time with FZY has taught me the value of creating strong, inclusive communities and using informal spaces to inspire personal growth and Jewish identity. I'm excited to bring all of that — and more — into my year as a movement worker.

Joely Spevick

Rakaz Tochniot / Programme Co-ordinator

I joined FZY in 2019 as a participant on Israel Tour and I have never looked back. From Hadracha to leading Summer Camps, to going on Year Course in 2021, and leading Israel Tour and Netina in 2024, I am so excited to complete the last steps of my FZY journey and be a Movement Worker! I truly believe that FZY is an incredibly special movement which fosters a strong sense of community and inspires younger generations to become amazing leaders and to be proud of their Jewish identity. I cannot wait to be part of your FZY experience this year!

Yasmin Krutik

Central Shlicha and Education Coordinator

Hi! My name is Yasmin, I'm the central Shlicha representing JAFI and Israel in my educational work in FZY! I made Aliyha from Argentina and worked with the Jewish community in Greece, when my journey has led me to London to work with the amazing Jewish community of the UK, learn from your perspective and contribute from my point of view to FZY.

Rebecca Lewis

Director of Programming and Youth

I’ve been working or volunteering in the Jewish community since I was an FZY Tour Participant in 2013. After spending my summers working at Maccabi London Brady Camp, I started my full time job at UJS supporting Jewish students on campuses across the UK with UJS, helping to tackle antisemitism and bring Jewish life and culture to universities. In 2019, I began working in FZY office as the UK Coordinator, working with amazing Year 12s exploring their Jewish identity, pluralism, and their connection to Israel. Along the way, I also studied for an MA in Education and Human Development at George Washington University, which really shaped the way I think about leadership and Israel education. Having spent so much time working alongside FZY and the various Movement Teams, I’m so excited to start the next chapter with FZY as Director of Programming and Youth! I can’t wait to get to know members of the movement from across the various year groups, and support in their very own journey through FZY.

Emily Curtis

Diller Coordinator

My name is Emily Curtis and whilst I was born in London, I have spent the last 14.5 years of my life living in San Diego, California. After high school, I went on a gap year programme in Israel and then attended the Pennsylvania State University, after which I went back to Israel to staff the same gap year programme. Since returning, I spent my time as a Youth Director at a synagogue where I coordinated weekly, monthly and annual programmes for youth ages 5-18 with both social and educational components. It has been my pleasure to work for Diller as the UK Programme Coordinator for the last three years.

Claire Klinger

Programme Administrator and Financial Assistance Manager

I started at FZY in 2021, spending a year in our Hendon office before moving over to our beautiful HQ in Kenton.

I’m part of the admin team, and most of my work involves assisting with bursaries, instalments, and interest-free loans for all our programmes in the UK and abroad. I also work closely with UJIA and Friends of FZY to help make sure your kids get the chance to go on one of our amazing trips.

Eliana Medici Serfaty

Operations and MarComs Manager

After graduating university, I wanted to put my life’s work towards young Jews as I believe that investing in our young generation is the key to a strong and happy Jewish community. Growing up in Gibraltar I didn’t have much access to youth movements, and the ideology and work of FZY blew me away. I am very proud to be working here since 2024, starting as a Programme Administrator and now working in Operations!

Luna Krutik

Office Mascot

Luna was adopted in Greece and made aliyah when she was 2. She is now on her second Shlichut with her parents spreading the Zionist ideology and lots of love!