Words By Pat Lidiker / pictures By Yakir Zur
The annual MIKE Youth Leadership Awards were hosted by Jewish Care at Woodford Forest United Synagogue to celebrate the graduation of 65 aspiring young community leaders.
Now in its 40th year, the organisation’s name stands for the values of Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge and Education that are instilled into all participants. Many previous graduates are now leaders of our own communal organisations today.
Taliyah Buskin won the prestigious Saul Keene Award for Excellence in Youth Leadership, presented by Saul’s mother Nettie and brother Danny. A dedicated community leader, Saul tragically passed away in 2008 aged just 41. His family remain committed to continuing his legacy by recognising and supporting those who embody his values.
Jamie Shone, Jewish Care’s youth services lead and a previous recipient of the Saul Keene Award, praised Taliya’s dedication. He said: “She brings a big smile to every session, spreading happiness and laughter, making a positive impact on as many people as possible.”
Reflecting on her win, Taliyah said how shocked and honoured she felt, adding: “I really love the community MIKE has created, it has been such a rewarding experience from starting the programme in year 9 to now being able to give back as a staff member.”
Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care and former MIKE graduate himself, spoke about his pleasure in seeing the next generation stepping up. He told this year’s participants and their families: “I am very proud of all of you here. We’ve learned, very painfully, in the last 15 months just how difficult it can be to be a Jew in the modern world, so standing up and leading our community starts here with young people.”
This sentiment resonated with everyone in the room, calling attention to the powerful role graduates will play in securing a strong future for the Jewish community. This ethos lies at the very heart of the MIKE programme.
Richard Shone, also a former MIKE graduate, Jewish Care’s director of community services, volunteering, social work and hospitality, further underlined this by saying: “The programme aims to create leaders who inspire, care deeply and continue to make meaningful contributions long after they’ve graduated. I know that today’s recipients will do exactly that.” Maor Aharon won the Above and Beyond Award, recognising his commitment to giving back and exceptional leadership.
On presenting the prize, Gabrielle Adda, Jewish Care’s youth service co-ordinator, said: “Maor is a true example of somebody who goes above and beyond. His selflessness and drive have been evident through his volunteer work in Israel and dedication to the programme over the years. He is an inspiration to us all.”
Maor added: “My journey has been fun and educational, contributing to my personal growth and leadership skills. It was a great honour and surprise to receive this and what an incredible way to complete my MIKE experience!”
After 40 years of success in Essex, the MIKE programme has extended to include a new cohort at Sandringham for young people in Stanmore and South Hertfordshire.
To register interest or for more information about MIKE Redbridge, please email youthservices@jcare.org, call 07391 738 281 or visit www.jewishcare.org.
