JFS

JFS (formerly known as the Jews' Free School and later Jewish Free School) is a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in Kenton, North London, England and was founded in 1732. Amongst its early supporters was the writer and philanthropist Charlotte Montefiore. At one time it was the largest Jewish school in the world, with more than 4,000 pupils.

The school is run by the JFS Charitable Trust Limited (Company number 03942126)/JFS Development Charitable Trust (Charity number: 1114730).

Orientation to Zionism

JFS is a secondary school which names its four houses after racist settler colonial ideologues such as Chaim Weizmann, Israel Zangwill and Selig Brodetsky. The school says it is 'proud of its long standing and deep connections to the State of Israel. For over 40 years the school has offered a bespoke residential programme in Israel to provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in life in Israel, improve their Hebrew and enhance their knowledge of Jewish studies, culture and history beyond what is taught at school. ... The JFS programme [in Israel] promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'

'Students participating in Israel Club at school enjoyed a visit from speakers of Stand With Us. The session was focused on enabling students to distinguish differences between anti-Semitism and valid criticism of the state of Israel.'

'Our dynamic JiEP department delivered outstanding programmes in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron and in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut this week. One Year 8 student commenting on Yom Ha’atzmaut said, “The atmosphere, the food, the fun, blue and white, Israel, the socialising, it was like a big birthday party!” HAPPY 73rd BIRTHDAY ISRAEL and well done JiEP!'

'Last night we were honoured to host her Excellency Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli Ambassador to London, to dedicate a special memorial garden at JFS for Dr Ami Shachori z’l who was the Israeli Agriculture Attaché in London from 1968-1972, assassinated whilst serving at the Embassy in London. His children, who are JFS Alumni, were present to cut the ribbon to the new garden... we were delighted to welcome the Sinai School Choir that sang Oseh Shalom and the Hatikvah.'

'Israel is at the heart of JFS. Students are encouraged to engage with Israel through visits in Year 9 ... our active Israel Club and the celebration of all Israeli festivals. We are proud that many students go on to complete a year of further study, volunteering and social action in Israel before commencing university... A range of high profile speakers also visit the Israel Society to keep students informed of current developments and points of interest... JFS has a long and proud tradition of association with the State of Israel. Since its earliest days in Camden Town, this has included offering students the opportunity to spend time in Israel on an organised programme. Currently JFS offers two schemes: Lev, a three month Israel programme for Year 9 students, based at Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and ATOI, the two week ‘A Taste of Israel’ programme.'

Funding

• The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust | Wolfson Family Charitable Trust | Bluston Charitable Settlement | Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation | Garrard Family Foundation

Former pupils

• Judith Flacks-Leigh
• Barney Barnato, Randlord
• Gina Bellman, actress
• Raphael Benjamin, rabbi in Australia and America
• Eyal Booker, Love Island Contestant
• Selig Brodetsky, mathematician, Zionist leader, and President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Benjamin Cohen, journalist and Channel 4 News presenter
• Morris Cohen, adventurer
• Dean Furman (born 1988) - professional footballer
• Maurice Glasman, academic, social thinker and Labour life peer
• Jonathan Glazer, BAFTA and Oscar award-winning film director
• Samuel Gompers, first President of the American Federation of Labor
• Ray Kelvin, founder of luxury clothing retail company Ted Baker
• Despite reports in the Guardian and the Independent, Jay Kay of Jamiroquai did not attend this school. Benjamin Cohen (who did and is listed here) recounts that the Guardian and Independent reports were themselves based on wrong information on Wikipedia – see [1]
• Josh Kennet (born 1987), English-Israeli footballer
• David Joseph, chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK
• Bernard Lewis, founder and owner, River Island
• Joe Loss, musician
• Ofra Offer Oren, 'Israeli' writer, poet, blogger and translator
• Steven Reingold, cricketer
• Barbara Roche, Labour politician
• Joel Samuels – DJ Luck, DJ
• Jez San, game designer, Argonaut Games
• Florence Schechter, founder of Vagina Museum and author
• Ian Stone, comedian

Resources

• https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/133724
• https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03942126
• https://th-th.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=623138882944095&id=100057439660589
• https://www.thejc.com/news/news/ofsted-downgrades-jfs-to-'inadequate'-1.517835
• https://www.thejc.com/news/news/jfs-gets-'good'-rating-one-year-after-shock-downgrade-3EwNVeU88TrGh5t62X9UnW
• https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314
• https://s2jnews.com/jfs-school-in-north-london-unashamedly-hold-strong-zionist-links/