David was a marketing professional, who served JVN as a trustee from inception and chaired the organisation from 2013 until his untimely passing in April 2020.
David led by example in other communal organisations by driving food trucks to the Ukraine for World Jewish Relief. He was a senior committee member at UJIA. David did not let his personal challenges stop him finding a way to make a difference.
David believed strongly in the value volunteering brings to the person volunteering, to the host organisation and to wider society. David cared passionately about promoting and expanding volunteering in the Jewish community and beyond. He drove JVN forward to address the need for volunteering in charities and to take on wider responsibilities within the Jewish community, across the local areas and nationally.
David inspired us on a daily basis and his memory is a blessing to us all. His legacy to the Jewish community and wider charity sector will be JVN’s continuing commitment to connecting volunteers and supporting charities.
Yehi zichron baruch - David’s memory will always be a blessing.
“I say to my children that when you look in the mirror you need to feel proud of the person staring back at you. Volunteering gives you that sense of pride, accomplishment and satisfaction as you reflect on the difference you have made. By giving of yourself, you expand your own sense of self to include others: family, friends, neighbours and the local and wider community, becoming so much more than that individual reflected in the mirror. The truth is that volunteering gives you that sense of purpose and improves your own self-esteem”.
David Lazarus, JVN Awards, December 2019
