Raymond Receives an MBE

We are delighted to share that JW3 CEO Raymond Simonson has been awarded an MBE in The King's Birthday Honours for services to Jewish communities and community cohesion.

The honour recognises Raymond's longstanding commitment to building stronger, more connected communities and his leadership of JW3, which has become one of the UK's leading centres for Jewish culture, conversation and community life.

Chair of JW3, Marc Nohr said, "JW3 is a very special place and it needs a very special leader to run it. For Raymond this has always been more than just a job - it's a vocation, driven by passion, commitment and a sense of community. This honour is well-deserved by way of recognition for all he has done and continues to do for both the jewish community and the broader population in London. We are very proud of him."

Following the announcement, Raymond said, "I'm the son and grandson of immigrants and refugees who survived persecution and the Holocaust and came to Britain with almost nothing. Their values of hard work and giving back to the community shaped me from an early age.

When I started my career as a community and youth worker, I never imagined receiving an honour such as this, and I am profoundly grateful. What gives me the greatest pride is the opportunity to work alongside remarkable colleagues, volunteers and trustees who devote their time, talent and energy to strengthening community and building connections across wider society. I am privileged to play a part in that shared endeavour, and in helping to create a culture of encounter.

At a time when division feels all too common, this recognition strengthens my belief in the importance of bringing people together through culture, conversation and community"

Everyone at JW3, from our trustees and volunteers to the more than 100,000 people who visit each year, joins in congratulating Raymond on this well-deserved recognition.