JNF Hull

JNF in Hull existed before the Second World War but it was only in 1948, as the State of Israel was being formed, that the Hull Commission under the leadership of Jacques Levy, began to take shape. Jacques Levy was the first Chairman followed by Sam Lang and Clive Levy. Blue Boxes were the domain of Harry Westerman and soon the community had raised enough to start its own projects. Playgrounds, groves, the Hull Jewish community Forest and, more recently, reservoirs – all raised from the small Jewish community. From 1958, Michael Westerman was a major influence in the JNF life of the city. Clive Levy, Stuart and Joan Fredenthal, Elliot Oppel and Michael started the first Mini Raffle in 1958 – with the prize of a Mini car. This Mini-Raffle is still run today by Stuart, Joan and Michael and has a membership of over 350.

In 1970 Michael Westerman and Lionel Schooler started the successful 1970 Committee followed by a Younger JNF group – helped by Jeff Myers, Charles Rosen and Henry Goldstone – which was extremely successful in raising funds for various projects.

During this time Ron Stone was instrumental in the successful Hull Children’s Groves Scheme which planted six special groves in Israel. Michael took on the role of chairman some twenty five years ago and although the community has dwindled to perhaps 700 the Commission has always supported every JNF project with gusto and is prominent within the Community. Stuart Fredenthal, another major stalwart of JNF Hull (few would turn their house over to JNF as Stuart and Joan have) started when groves of trees were planted in his uncle’s name, Jacques Levy, and he has never stopped promoting the work of JNF in the city – hand in hand with his wife, Joan.

Today, Green Sunday, the Rosh Hashanah Appeal and the annual Walk for Water (for which Stephan Pearlman, Savile Soltan and Anthony Rowland all raise well over the odds) event all raise awareness as well as funds for JNF and usually exceed expectations.

Today Hull JNF is run by the most dedicated of staff in Michael Westerman – still Chairman – and Stuart Fredenthal – not to mention their longsuffering wives. For many the city has
always been just a part of the Leeds office – but to those of us who both know and have been on the end of both Stuart and Michael’s passion for JNF, Hull will always be one of a kind.