Alan Jacobs’ journey from governor at University College and Henrietta Barnett schools in North-West London to becoming the Chair of the British Friends of the Hebrew University (BFHU) is testament to the importance he attaches to both education and Zionism. In an in-depth interview, Jacobs shared his insights on leadership, the role of philanthropy in the education sector, his own relationship with Israel and his passion for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Jacobs’ dedication to the education sector is evident from the outset. “I was lucky enough to receive one of the best educations money can buy and all for free. A Local Authority scholarship saw me through UCS and in the 1980’s the Government paid for my time as an undergraduate at Cambridge University, even topping it up with a generous maintenance grant. Wanting to give something back to the education sector comes naturally”.
Jacobs talks animatedly about “the importance of educational establishments providing a balance of great teaching, first-class facilities and access for a broad range of students from diverse backgrounds”. He is not a lover of university tuition fees here in the UK, believing that the debt burden today’s students are saddled with is, for many, a source of great anxiety, but he recognises that broadening access to higher education inevitably required students to contribute to costs.
Jacobs describes himself as a “frustrated academic” and explains that he satisfied his personal itch for further education a few years ago by taking a Masters in International Conflict Studies at Kings College London – his dissertation examined Israeli society’s relationship with the State’s policy of nuclear ambiguity. When asked whether he considered taking his studies further and doing a PhD, he reflects somewhat ruefully that a doctorate is gruelling and often lonely work and he “doesn’t have what it takes”.
When the opportunity presented itself to join the board of BFHU, he jumped at it. He says, “my passion for education coupled with a lifelong commitment to Israeli causes made for a perfect fit”. He goes on to say that “the more time I’ve spent immersing myself in the Hebrew University, the more I’ve fallen in love with it. I genuinely believe that the Hebrew University represents everything that is great and good about Israel”.
In 2021 he stepped up to the Chair of BFHU, replacing Issac Kaye, the distinguished, long-standing University Governor and Member of its Executive Committee. Over three years, under Jacobs’ leadership, BFHU has seen significant changes. “I’ve focused on formalising processes and governance matters – evolution, not revolution – and rejuvenating and reinvigorating both the board and executive teams. While BFHU isn’t large in terms of staff, it is a significant fundraiser and manages substantial endowment funds on behalf of donors and the University. Therefore, things not only need to be done properly, but also seen to be done properly”.
In addition, Jacobs has pushed for greater involvement from his fellow trustees, leading to a more engaged and active board. “I’ve challenged my fellow trustees, all of whom are talented individuals with a broad range of relevant experience, to become more directly involved in day-to-day operational and governance matters. They’ve risen to this challenge” he notes. “I have also taken steps to diversify the skill sets at board level and to bring in younger board members with fresh perspectives”.
Leadership for Jacobs is about being clear what we are trying to achieve and making the work engaging and collaborative. As a former lawyer and investment banker who went on to pursue a more entrepreneurial career, he stresses “the importance of building strong relationships with other stakeholders. In BFHU’s case this means working with the University’s other Friends Organisations around the world. This collaborative approach underpins the UK team’s growing influence and involvement with the Hebrew University”.
Jacobs’ connection to the University is very personal. Reflecting on how it all began, he recalls, “Before I took on the chair of BFHU, I had been a governor of my former public (private) school, UCS, and Henrietta Barnett, a grammar school with Academy status. I was intrigued by the idea of doing something in higher education for the experience”. His wife, Louise Jacobs, until recently Chair of UJIA, plays a significant role in supporting Anglo-Israeli relations and Israeli causes and they have long had a home in Herzliya, which he describes as “their happy place”, although he is quick to note that the current situation in Israel poses something of a challenge to that notion. “When we are in Israel, Louise immerses herself in work for UJIA and both the Jewish Agency and Birthright where she is a trustee. Frankly, having a philanthropic interest in Israel to keep me busy had some appeal!” And the fact that he was brought up in a Zionist home laid the foundation for his deep-seated commitment to Israel and its institutions. “Both my family and Louise’s have always been involved in supporting Israel and Jewish causes and this upbringing instilled in both of us a strong sense of responsibility towards Israel and its institutions”.
Like many Diaspora Jews, Jacobs has struggled with the way in which Israeli society has fractured over matters such as the proposed judicial reforms and now the response to October 7. He notes the irony that a country built on hope for a better world is itself seemingly drowning in a sea of hopelessness. But he agrees with the view of Hebrew University President, Prof Asher Cohen, that even out of the darkest tragedy there are opportunities for optimism.
Looking ahead, Jacobs acknowledges the challenges of engaging younger generations in philanthropy, especially in relation to Israel. “Future generations are less emotionally engaged with Israel, despite all the work that has been done to educate them and give them Israel experiences. They look more carefully at what they’re doing in terms of philanthropy in Israel, expecting to see impact and results rather than just giving for sentimental reasons. This shift necessitates a strategic approach on our part to demonstrate the tangible impact of contributions, ensuring that younger donors see the real difference their support can make”.
Jacobs envisions the Hebrew University as a “beacon of excellence and a force for good in the world”. He is determined to ensure the University has the resources and support needed to thrive, continuing its role in solving global challenges and fostering international collaboration.
The interview appeared in the 2024-25 FUTURE magazine