What people have to say about LJI...
"I came up to Leeds from Bournemouth to study Public Relations. I didn't know that many people and that is why I got involved with LJI. The events were great and I met loads of nice people, not just students but people who actually lived in Leeds. I decided to stay in Leeds after I finished my course and I haven't looked back since. I love it here!"
--Sophie L.
"Living in Manchester for the majority of my life, with its dynamic Jewish scene, followed by attending Leeds University, similarly flowing with plentiful Jewish activity, gave me a natural desire to remain a part of a strong and active Jewish community. Unfortunately, I had little time or opportunity while at University to mix with the Jews either born and living in Leeds or returning to Leeds from other universities. As such, my initial thoughts similar to so many, were to either move back to Manchester or to opt for London even though as a city, I loved Leeds. LJI was a huge factor in convincing me to stay and embrace the Leeds Jewish circle. From the moment I received the initial phone call from Brooke asking me to be a part of a new, exciting Jewish initiative in Leeds, I felt a sense of belonging. From the first commitee meeting, to the present day, LJI has been an amazing addition to my Jewish life in Leeds. I have become good friends with many Jewish people in Leeds I quite possibly would never have had the chance to meet, as well as enjoying and helping arrange everything from club nights, bowling and Sushi nights!! LJI has without a doubt connected me and I'm sure many others!!"
--Neil F.
"Having moved back to Leeds from London, I was introduced to LJI through a friend. I found LJI to be an excellent resource for socialising, meeting new people and taking part in great events."
-- B. Levy
"I saw an article about the LJI in the Glasgow Jewish Telegraph and decided to give Brooke a call since I was starting postgraduate study in Leeds and wanted to get more involved in the Jewish community and meet more Jewishpeople my own age. I now regularly attend events organised by the LJI andhave a really great group of friends."
--D. Cowen
"When I moved from London to Leeds I wasn't sure what to expect in the way of Jewish friends, as I knew so many people move down South after Uni, rather than 'up North'. At first it was difficult to meet people as I didn't know anyone who could introduce me. But then I went to LJI's opening night at Nothern Lights and was shocked to see so many young Jewish faces! I decided that I really wanted to get involved with LJI and help it grow so that we can help to make Leeds a more desirable place for the young Jewish community. I have met some really great people in the last two years, mainly due to LJI, and can honestly say I've made some life long friends. The events that we put on are great and really get people together such as the sushi/cocktail making nights and the bar nights. I'm really grateful to LJI for making the move up to Leeds ten times better than I had ever expected."
--N. Jackson
"As a postgraduate student new to Leeds, LJIhas been instrumental in helping me meet other young Jews in Leeds. The wide variety of LJI events offer something for everyone, which means that a large cross section ofpeople attend.It has helped me connect with people of similar interests and this has enriched my time in Leeds."
--E. Avery
"LJI is a positive additionto the Leedscommunity – it works because it is inclusive, not just in theory but in practice. LJI strives to ensure that there is something for everyone. You attend not because it is a Jewish 'young persons' event but because it's a social outing that you would like to do irrespective of the commonality in faith. Of course the big draw is that you will meet members of the Leeds Jewish Community and hopefully make friendships that last beyond the monthly activities. We, the community, are of course a diverse group of people and it is always difficult to please all the people all of the time but I can only say the LJI team work hard to make everyone welcome and establish a friendly atmosphere, I believe they succeed at this and should be proud of the effort they have put in to make the initiative work. Personally I've met people I would never have met without LJI – a group of friends that have made living in Leeds a real pleasure – It is a great feeling to have friends that you can share Shabbat suppers with and for that alone I can only give LJI my fullest support."
--Daniella S.