The Jewish Federation has hired Hart Jacobs to become the new Director of Jewish Campus Life, after Samantha Loxton has become the Director of Leadership Development.

Jacob, who graduated from Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate in 2000, served as Program Director of  Camp Massad for three years.

In an interview, Jacob said, who has a  Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution, at the University of Winnipeg said “I am extremely excited to begin networking with students from all of the University campuses in Winnipeg. Together with the Hillel Winnipeg student executive I will be recruiting [students] on campus and promoting our Kick off Event on October 3rd.”

According to Jacob, although not all of the details have been finalized yet, the Kick Off Event will  be “ a party with a D.J, dancing, food, drinks etc.”

Jacob described himself as having “ been involved in the Jewish community all of my life”  and added that his new tasks involve “promoting and educating students on a variety of leadership opportunities, social action programs, guest lectures and social events.”

He also noted that “The Israel Experience Centre is also in my portfolio and I am eagerly awaiting Birthright registration in October as well as the opportunity to connect people with a variety of other programs in Israel.”

Jacob told the Winnipeg Jewish Review he has been to Israel “six times- March of the Living (1998), JWC Grad trip (2000), Madrich Birthright (2004), Representing Camp Massad (2006), Gray Academy Madrich (2007, 2008).

Jacob said that more recently “I worked with the Federation as the Machon Madrichim Director, organizing and facilitating leadership development and social programs for youth. I have a passion for Israel and have had the opportunity to take part in Israel Experience programs as both a participant and staff.’

Aaron Gorodzinsky,  was the  previous Machon Madrichim Director before Jacob.  Gorodzinsky is no longer in Winnipeg  and has gone is currently a Fellow with The Israel Project in Jerusalem.

Jacob’s office is in the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg at the Asper Campus, but, as he notes, “ I will be on both U of  W and  U of M campuses on a daily basis.”

“I look forward to an exciting year full of engaging programs and incredible experiences,” he said.

Dob Dubi Shlenger now takes over as Director of Machon Madrichim, a program which helps prepare teenagers for leadership roles.