Non-Jewish historian appointed to lead UK arm of Israeli ‘peace village’ charity

A non-Jewish historian has been appointed to head the British arm of Israel’s unique ‘peace village’ where Jews and Palestinians live side-by-side.

Dr Jack Omer-Jackaman, who has written extensively on Zionism and Jewish identity, has already flown out to Neve Shalom-Wahat al-Salam, a cooperative village founded by a Christian friar 40 years ago and now known as ‘Oasis of Peace.’

Once confirmed as the new director of the British Friends of Neve Shalom, Omer-Jackman went to meet those running the village alongside the charity’s vice-chair Judge Lawrence Brass, where the historian saw the school’s new library.

A former professional musician, Omer-Jackman surprised his hosts by performing a traditional English folk song for the children, before promising to do his best to raise funds from British supporters for the village’s primary school.