‘One big family’ – Warwick students win best J-Soc award
WARWICK JEWISH Society has been named JSoc of the Year at UJS’ Annual Student Awards.
As well as boasting vibrant and occasionally themed Friday night dinners with growing numbers, the society offers lunch-and-learns, frequent socials and an array of new initiatives, such its own football team and two interfaith dinners, which attracted over 100 attendees.
Warwick JSoc co-presidents Daniel Dutch and Amit Gad Asraf told the JC they were “thrilled” to win.
Daniel, who accepted the award, said: “We had no clue we were going to win; it was a bit of a shock. Our JSoc is a big team effort, and its strength comes from every person, so the win is testament to the great team and members we have.”
Amit credited the JSoc’s success to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and to delegating tasks based on people’s talents. He said: “It’s not just Daniel or me; it’s not just a friendship group; it’s like one big family and one united by the purpose that Jewish life remains with purpose.”
In the week leading up to Holocaust Memorial Day in January, Warwick JSoc invited Holocaust survivor Mindu Hornick MBE to share her story with students and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who said afterwards: “What a great group of students! I enjoyed my trip to Warwick JSoc immensely.”
Warwick JSoc has also built and maintained strong relationships with the University of Warwick and its student union to ensure Jewish students are kept safe amid rising antisemitism, said the JSoc heads.
Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and university president, told the JC that Warwick JSoc winning this award was “testament to their commitment in preserving and cherishing Jewish traditions and their engagement with our wider campus and University community.
“The dedicated students who make up this society are a shining example of resilience at a time of upheaval nationally and internationally. Congratulations everyone involved.”
Nearly 250 students attended the awards night in central London.
UJS president Edward Isaacs said: “In the face of the worst antisemitism seen on campus in a generation, Jewish students have responded with resilience and leadership to celebrate Jewish student life on campus.”