The Jewish Volunteering Network hosted its largest awards event celebrating volunteering on Sunday.
With 350 guests, 105 award submissions,and representation from 53 charities, this year’s event was a record-breaking celebration—an 18% rise in nominations and a 50% increase in participating charities compared to 2023.
The awards also marked 18 years since JVN’s founding. In Hebrew, the number 18 symbolises ‘Chai,’ meaning life—a fitting tribute to JVN’s work in bringing volunteering to life for individuals and communities.
Distinguished speakers included JVN chairman Daniel Levy, who shared personal letters from the King’s private secretary and President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, alongside JLC chair Keith Black and JVN co-founder Susan Winton.
The awards recognised exceptional contributions across four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young Adult Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nicky Goldman, JVN’s chief executive, said: “It was heartwarming and inspiring to celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers at the JVN Awards. As we mark JVN’s 18th year, it’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come since Judy Citron z”l and Susan Winton first envisioned JVN around Judy’s kitchen table.
“The event brought together winners and charities from across the Jewish community and beyond, showcasing the power of volunteering to transform lives. With 47% of Jewish adults more likely to volunteer monthly, far above the national average of 33%, our community is leading the way in giving back.
Dame Mary Marsh Head of Independent Judging Panel JVN Awards 2024. Pic: Emma Ziff
“We encouraged everyone to inspire one friend or family member to try volunteering in 2025 and help grow this remarkable movement. Thank you to the charities and volunteers who make this all possible—your dedication to volunteering is the true heart of JVN.”
An independent judging panel, headed by Dame Mary Marsh, studied each nomination submission individually and chose the outstanding winners from each category.
The winners:
The Citron, Sefton and Sivan Family Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Volunteer of the Year Award went to Shirley Lane of JLGB and Neil Martin, JLGB chief executive, said: “Shirley Lane is the very definition of a living legend. For over 60 years, she has been at the heart of JLGB, shaping generations with her kindness, creativity, and unwavering passion. Winning the JVN Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to her tireless efforts—from leading camps, to mentoring young leaders, and brilliantly creating the Rolling Stones volunteer team to re-engage older volunteers.
Lord-Levy-presenting-Outstanding-Lifetime-Achievement-Award-to-Shirley-Lane-of-JLGB. Pic: Emma Ziff
“Her fundraising for our Sderot Young Leaders programme has brought hope and life-changing experiences to hundreds of children able to come to our summer camps. Shirley isn’t just a volunteer or a leader—she is JLGB’s fairy godmother, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this incredible milestone with her.”
Wohl Legacy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was Dalia Rudolph, volunteer at the Camp Simcha. The charity’s chief executive, Daniel Gillis, said: “Camp Simcha’s Big Brother and Sister volunteers are at the heart of the critical services we provide to children with serious illnesses and their families. They are the backbone of our support system, and we are deeply grateful for their incredible dedication.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Dalia as the JVN Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, recognising her extraordinary commitment to the family she supports. The meaningful relationship she has built is a true lifeline for them, and her devotion, dedication, and kindness over many many years inspire immense pride in all of us at Camp Simcha.’
Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Award was the House of Life Team, at House of Life, Willesden Cemetery. Commenting, Michael Goldstein, president of the United Synagogue, said: “We are thrilled that the volunteering team at Willesden Jewish Cemetery have won the JVN Outstanding Volunteering Team of the Year Award for their extraordinary efforts telling the story of our 150-year-old cemetery and the remarkable individuals buried there.
Willesden Jewish Cemetery.
“The United Synagogue is powered by nearly 2,000 volunteers across the charity and we are over the moon our volunteers have been recognised at the equivalent of the Oscars for Jewish volunteering. We invite everyone to visit Willesden Jewish Cemetery to visit our House of Life centre, go on a tour or join in one of the many activities which take place there.”
Edwards Family Foundation Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award was Ruth Klajman, volunteer at Gift. Michelle Barnett, the charity’s founding director said: “Thank you JVN for the most inspirational volunteer award ceremony. All volunteers deserve appreciation, especially those who go out of their way on a regular basis to give to others. You succeeded in showcasing such a diverse range of volunteers from so many organizations across the Jewish Community.
Ruth Klajman. Pic: GIFT
“We were delighted that Ruth Klajman was chosen by your panel to win the JVN Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award. She truly is an outstanding young lady, she cares so deeply about the people she visits and befriends and goes above and beyond, inspiring her friends to volunteer too.
“Thank you for recognising Ruth and the other outstanding members of our community and giving them an opportunity to be acknowledged for the shining lights they are.”
To find a volunteering role in 2025, visit www.jvn.org.uk
