The Israel Guide Dog Centre UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Brosh as its new Executive Director, following the conclusion of the interim leadership provided by Hazel Kaye.
Hazel stepped into the role following the tragic passing 15 months ago of our beloved previous Executive Director, Martin Segal z”l. We are incredibly grateful to Hazel for her dedication and leadership during such a challenging time and for her help in recruiting Karen to the role, who we know will be as caring and as passionate an advocate for this very special charity as was Hazel and Martin before her.
Karen brings with her over a decade of experience in the charity sector and a rich background that blends her early career in the entertainment industry with a strong focus on fundraising, marketing, and organisational development. She joins the Israel Guide Dog Centre UK having recently been Development Director at the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s fundraising and marketing strategy over the past five years. With a deep commitment to the charity sector and a passion for community-driven initiatives, Karen is excited to lead the Israel Guide Dog Centre UK into its next chapter.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen as our new Executive Director,” said Jon Benjamin, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her wealth of experience, strategic vision, and passion for our cause will be invaluable as we continue to build on the incredible work done by Martin, and more recently, by Hazel.”
The Israel Guide Dog Centre is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people whose blindness or trauma would otherwise severely limit their ability to live independently with the choice and dignity that are so easy to take for granted. The Centre provides them with mobility, independence, self-confidence, and companionship through the faithful assistance of guide, emotional support, and PTSD dogs specially trained in Hebrew to meet Israel’s rigorous and challenging environment. Founded in 1991, the Centre is a respected member of the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International and is the only internationally accredited guide dog programme in the Middle East.
Karen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the charity, as the organisation recently revealed a five-year plan to meet the increased demand from a range of service users. The impact of the 7th October, and the ongoing war, means that in addition to increased demand for guide dogs, there is now also unprecedented demand for PTSD and emotional support dogs.
Noach Braun, founder of the Israel Guide Dog Centre, said, “The support from the UK has a huge impact on the work we can do, and we are grateful to our friends who share our passion and commitment. I look forward to working with Karen to ensure the Centre can continue to help Israelis who desperately need our services.”
For more information about the Israel Guide Dog Centre, please contact info@israelguidedog.org.uk