JFS

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JFS Website homepage 13 November 2024.
JFS homepage, 7 October 2024.

JFS (formerly known as the Jews' Free School[1] and later Jewish Free School[2][3][4]) 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 (1818–1854).[5] At one time it was the largest Jewish school in the world, with more than 4,000 pupils.[6]

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





Orientation to Zionism

Chaim Weizman, Israel Zangwill, Selig Brodetsky, Moses Angel. The four houses in JFS. From the JFS 'Welcome Booklet', March 2021.
'Students in Years 12 and 13 had the rare privilege of an audience with Aviv Kochavi, the former General Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces in conversation with Dr. Gad Yishayahu, a visiting scholar at the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge. As we find ourselves in a time of confused information and facts about the conflict in Israel, and the atrocities carried out by Hamas against Israelis, Aviv Kochavi explained how the IDF operates and makes decisions.' JFS website 9 November 2023.
'IDF Soldiers Say Thank You!' - JFS website 11 October 2023.





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.'[7][8][9]

  • '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.'[10]
  • '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!'[11]
  • '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.'[12]
  • '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.'[13]
  • 'This week our Head Boy and Head Girl team hosted the Senior Prefect teams from Immanuel College, JCOSS and Yavneh College for an Israel themed inter-school event. They discussed the various student-led initiatives taking place at each school, as well as Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’Atzmaut and October 7th; lighting candles and telling stories in remembrance. They then created hostage badges to be distributed to students in each school. This was a meaningful opportunity for the schools to reflect the unity within our community. A huge thank you to GIFT, for making these activities possible.[14]
AJEX Parade 2022, JFS participants.
StandWithUs UK propaganda visit to JFS, 1 February 2024.
  • The school has been involved with the UJIA programme of Israel education:
Our grants to Jewish schools also ensured over 5,000 Jewish pupils engaged with outstanding Israel learning and events at JFS, JCOSS and Yavneh College in London, and The King David High School in Manchester. Participants heard from outstanding speakers, commemorated Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in meaningful ceremonies, and took part in various fun and educational Israel-themed activities throughout the year.[15]

Israel residential Scheme

The school has been running Israel residential trips to pupils for nearly 50 years. The information about the programme of events here is sourced from the 2020 briefing posted on the school website.[16] In 2020 the trip lasted three months from 5 January to 30 March. The programme was arranged in partnership with Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) and 'promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'[16] The brochure claims: 'Students develop a deeper sense of pride and attachment to their Yidishkite and connection to Israel. Students also gain skills to become more mature, worldly, independent and self-aware. They also gain Israel literacy, invaluable knowledge about Israel. Many alumni refer to our programme as the single greatest experience of their life.'[16]

All pages featuring "IDF" on the JFS website.
Page not found on the JFS website. All pages with the term 'IDF' on them were deleted from the JFS website.

Wiping Zionist content from the website

Between the 7 October 2024[17] and the 13 November 2024,[18] JFS deleted its website and uploaded an entirely new site. One effect of this was that the following terms were eliminated: 'IDF', 'Zionist' and 'Zionism'.

Funding

People

Directors

Name Correspondence address Role Position Date of birth Appointed on Resigned on Nationality Country of residence Occupation
Manpreet Kaur Bal Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Active Secretary 5 July 2021
Robert Bradley Gershon Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Active Director July 1975 31 March 2023 British United Kingdom Chartered Accountant
Mark Michael Hurst Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Active Director January 1971 1 September 2024 British England Solicitor
Richard Ian Kafton Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Active Director October 1956 13 December 2005 British England Ifa
Dr David Moody Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Active Director June 1979 26 January 2022 British United Kingdom Headteacher
Ishai Eliezer Novick Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Active Director May 1971 6 July 2011 British England Company Director
Stephen Howard John Pack Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Active Director April 1950 22 April 2021 British England Chartered Accountant
Philip Bunt Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Secretary 22 July 2014 30 November 2020
Richard Anthony Gold 39 Oakleigh Avenue, London, N20 9JE Role Resigned Secretary 2 March 2000 13 December 2005 British Solicitor
David Russel Lerner Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Secretary 13 December 2005 22 July 2014 British School Administrator
Simon Appleman Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director August 1974 1 September 2016 4 June 2018 British England Headteacher
Julian David Bloom Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director October 1948 13 December 2005 31 December 2014 British England Solicitor
Julian David Bloom 70 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 3RP Role Resigned Director October 1948 16 April 2000 19 March 2002 British Solicitor
Philip Alan Bunt 176 Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6QJ Role Resigned Director January 1958 13 December 2005 31 August 2011 British United Kingdom Chartered Accountant
John Anthony Cooper Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director February 1946 11 September 2017 30 March 2023 British England Chartered Accountant
Geraldine Fainer Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director July 1963 1 September 2017 31 July 2019 British England Lawyer
Rachel Harriet Fink Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director July 1969 4 June 2018 31 May 2021 British England Headteacher
Sidney Frosh 50 Lodge Close, Canons Drive, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 7RL Role Resigned Director August 1923 22 March 2006 5 July 2011 British None
Michael Stuart Glass Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director May 1962 11 January 2010 23 March 2015 British England Chartered Accountant
Richard Anthony Gold 39 Oakleigh Avenue, London, N20 9JE Role Resigned Director October 1941 2 March 2000 13 December 2005 British United Kingdom Solicitor
Neil Barry Harris Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director July 1966 1 September 2011 27 June 2016 British England Chartered Accountant
Rachel Harrison 124 Hampden Road, London, N8 0HS Role Resigned Director July 1946 3 September 2001 13 December 2005 British Student
Russell Ivor Kett 62 Wychwood Avenue, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6TH Role Resigned Director May 1953 3 September 2001 11 January 2010 British United Kingdom Company Director
Jonathan Moss Miller Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director January 1962 1 January 2008 31 August 2016 British United Kingdom Headteacher
Graham Bennett Morrison-Wood Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director May 1951 13 December 2005 15 January 2020 British United Kingdom Solicitor
Andrew Moss Jfs School, The Mall, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director December 1972 1 September 2019 1 September 2024 British England Consultant
Ruth Renton Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director September 1970 8 December 2016 3 April 2017 British England Solicitor
Dame Ruth Laura Robins 31 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 7TL Role Resigned Director October 1946 3 September 2001 31 December 2007 British England Headteacher
Dr Lorraine Sherr The Retreat, Tenterden Grove, London, NW4 1TH Role Resigned Director November 1952 3 September 2001 13 December 2005 British United Kingdom Prof Psychology
Arnold Wagner 91 Woodcock Hill, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 0JJ Role Resigned Director September 1949 2 March 2000 13 December 2005 British Uk Personnel Director
Stuart Alexander Waldman Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director August 1968 26 July 2016 29 March 2021 British United Kingdom Accountant
Steven Woolf Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE Role Resigned Director January 1967 24 March 2015 30 June 2016 British England Barrister

Trustees

Staff

Headteachers

2021– Dr David Moody[19]
2021 Paul Ramsay (Acting Joint Headteacher)

Anna Joseph (Acting Joint Headteacher)[20]

2021 Martin Tissot (Interim Headteacher)[21]
2021 Sir Michael Wilshaw (Executive Headteacher)[22]
2018–2021 Rachel Fink
2018 Simon Appleman (Acting Headteacher)
2016–2017 Debby Lipkin (Executive Headteacher)

Simon Appleman (Acting Headteacher)

2008–2016 Jonathan Miller
1993–2007 Dame Ruth Robins[23]
1985–1993 Josephine Wagerman, OBE[24]
1973–1984 Leslie Gatoff[25]
1958–1972 Dr. Edward S Conway[26]
1897–1907 Louis Barnett Abrahams[27]
1842–1897 Moses Angel
1732–1757 Samuel Grant
1700-1732 Marcelo Bielsa

Former pupils

A-C

D-F

G-J

K-N

O-R

S-V

W-Z

Resources

https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/teen-thugs-attack-and-board-jfs-school-buses-while-shouting-fk-israel-at-children-yn1eyqqu

Deleted pages on JFS website

Contact

Notes

  1. ↑ Jews' Free School journal – The Jewish Museum.
  2. ↑ Jewish Free School, Camden Road, Camden LB.
  3. ↑ London: North.  Yale University Press . ISBN 978-0-300-09653-8.
  4. ↑ Working Capital: Life and Labour in Contemporary London.  Taylor & Francis . ISBN 978-1-136-47778-2.
  5. ↑ Ref needed
  6. ↑ International Handbook of Jewish Education. 2011-04-02.  Springer Science & Business Media . ISBN 9789400703544.
  7. ↑ https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314
  8. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20211114135049/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf
  9. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007173149/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/lev-2/
  10. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233448/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/jfs-israel-club/
  11. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082438/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/happy-birthday-israel/
  12. ↑ https://th-th.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=623138882944095&id=100057439660589
  13. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233934/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/ivrit-and-israel-education/
  14. ↑ Israel Inter-School Event, 16/05/2024.
  15. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20201104152531/https://ujia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5742-UJIA-Annual-Report-2018-2019-SP-ONLINE.pdf
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Internet Archive copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20210115211716/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf
  17. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007192713/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/
  18. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241113121258/https://www.jfs.brent.sch.uk/
  19. ↑ New JFS head with zero tolerance for ill-discipline.
  20. ↑ JFS appoints acting joint heads as search for full-time hire stepped up.
  21. ↑ Catholic schools chief made JFS interim head.
  22. ↑ Former Ofsted chief to become new JFS headteacher.
  23. ↑ Dame Ruth Steps Down As JFS Head.
  24. ↑ Later elected first female president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. First woman elected to lead Jewish board.  The Daily Telegraph.
  25. ↑ I, Jonathan Goldsmith, left in 1975 and Gatoff had been there 2 years by then
  26. ↑ Comprehending Comprehensives: The J.F.S. Experience.  Woburn Press . ISBN 978-0-7130-4008-1.
  27. ↑ Jews' Free School - The New Headmaster. 1897-12-10. 
  28. ↑ Interview: Gina Bellman, The Jewish Chronicle, 17 January 2014
  29. ↑ Love Island's Jewish contestant Eyal Booker's brother tells all.
  30. ↑ Bibi and the boy wonder.  The Jewish Chronicle.
  31. ↑ David Joseph: 'We creatively empower our artists globally. I'm proud of that.'.
  32. ↑ From the archive: The Drapers Interview with River Island founder Bernard Lewis.
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