Government & Jewish Youth mark 130 years of JLGB at House of Lords

PRESS RELEASE

📍 For Immediate Release

JLGB Marks 130 Years of Empowering Young Jewish People with House of Lords Celebration

The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP and The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP joined JLGB at the House of Lords to mark a milestone moment for one of the UK’s longest-standing youth organisations.

Last night, JLGB (Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade) celebrated its 130th anniversary with a special reception at the House of Lords, hosted by its President, Lord Levy.

The event brought together government ministers, community leaders, funders, alumni, volunteers, and young people to reflect on JLGB’s extraordinary legacy and its vision for the future.

Honouring 130 Years of Impact

Since its founding in 1895, JLGB has empowered generations of young Jewish people, removing barriers to participation and ensuring faith-friendly access to volunteering, leadership, and skills development programmes. The organisation has adapted and thrived through two world wars, economic crises, and a global pandemic, emerging stronger and more vital than ever.

📢 Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, praised JLGB’s resilience:

“JLGB has survived two world wars, financial crises, and years of upheaval—but it’s still here, still going strong! That’s a testament to every volunteer, supporter, and young person who has made this organisation what it is today.”

📢 Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, highlighted the importance of JLGB’s role:

“JLGB provides a space where young people can be proud of their Jewish identity, explore their passions, and build confidence for the future. That’s more important now than ever.”

A Night of Inspiration – Voices from Every Generation

Beyond the statistics and history, it was the voices of young people themselves that truly told the story of JLGB. 

The evening featured a deeply moving speech from 18-year-old Deena Baker, who shared her personal JLGB journey—from an excited eight-year-old in Liverpool to standing as a young leader in the House of Lords. JLGB became her second family when she tragically lost her father at 16.

📢 Deena reflected: 

“JLGB has shaped my life in ways I never imagined. It has given me confidence, leadership skills, and a second family. Even during the hardest times of my life, JLGB was there for me. When my father passed away, it was JLGB that gave me the support and strength to keep going. There is no Deena without JLGB.”

Deena’s story is just one of thousands over JLGB’s 130-year history—proof that this organisation is so much more than just a youth group. It’s a lifelong movement, a place of belonging, support, and opportunity.

Attendees also honoured 100-year-old WWII veteran and lifelong JLGB member Mervyn Kersh L.d’H from aged just 9, whose dedication to service embodies the values JLGB has instilled in generations of young people.

📢 Mervyn Kersh added:

“JLGB has been part of my life for over 85 years. The friends, the values, the leadership—everything I learned here shaped the man I became. Seeing the next generation, with young people like Deena, carrying the torch is truly heart-warming.”

Lord Levy’s Tribute to JLGB’s Legacy and Leadership

JLGB’s President, Lord Michael Levy, reflected on the organisation’s extraordinary history and its role in shaping generations of young Jewish people.

📢 Lord Levy stated:

“For 130 years, JLGB has given young Jewish people the confidence, skills, and opportunities to succeed. It has evolved with the times but has never wavered from its mission to empower, inspire, and support the next generation. Tonight, we honour not just our past but our future—and the bright young leaders, dedicated volunteers, and unwavering supporters who continue to make JLGB the incredible force it is today.”

Lord Levy also paid special tribute to Neil Martin OBE, who is marking 20 years as Chief Executive of JLGB, recognising his strategic vision and dedication in transforming JLGB into the thriving, inclusive organisation it is today.

JLGB’s Vision for the Future

JLGB’s 130th anniversary is not just about looking back—it’s about looking ahead. With continued support from government, funders, and community partners, JLGB is set to:

✅ Expand into new areas, ensuring more young Jewish people can access its programmes.

✅ Strengthen volunteering and leadership pathways, helping young people develop skills for life and work.

✅ Enhance mental health and wellbeing support, ensuring JLGB remains a safe, inclusive space.

✅ Innovate in digital and hybrid youth work, reaching even more young people nationwide.

As part of the government’s ‘Deliver You!’ consultation, JLGB will play a key role in ensuring young Jewish voices are not just heard, but are driving the conversation around national youth strategy.

📢 Neil Martin OBE, JLGB Chief Executive, summed up the evening:

“JLGB has always been about breaking barriers—ensuring every Jewish young person, regardless of finance or background, has access to the skills and opportunities they deserve. Tonight was a celebration of all those who have shaped JLGB for the past 130 years—and a commitment to ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.”

ENDS

📩 Media Enquiries

For interviews, images, or further information, please contact:

📧 alice.brostoff@jlgb.org

📞 07975848026

📸 Photos attached: 

The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Lord Michael Levy, President of JLGB with JLGB Young Leaders

Lord Michael Levy, President of JLGB with The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Heath and Social Care

Lord Michael Levy, President of JLGB

Mervyn Kersh Ld’H, JLGB Honorary Colonel, Normandy Veteran

Deena Baker, JLGB Young Leader Manager and Youth Speaker