Emma Bergen has been appointed the first female director of the Zionist Federation.

Currently UJIA head of community engagement, Emma takes up her post next month.

She succeeds Arieh Miller, who joins the Union of Jewish Students.

“Having grown up in the Jewish community, and spending more than six years working professionally in it, I am really looking forward to this next challenge and opportunity,” she said following her appointment.

“The values of Zionism and the ZF are something that really speaks to my core. To have a leading influence over the way this conversation is had inside and outside the Jewish community is an opportunity I am really excited to take on.”

Emma added that her mentors and experiences would help her take the ZF beyond its 120th year.

ZF chairman Paul Charney said: “Emma is an exceptional young woman who has already achieved a great deal for the community and comes to the ZF with exciting ideas, passion for Zionism and a great aptitude for leadership.”

By Leah Waxler