Chairperson
Melvin Berwald
Melvin recently stepped back from the central London law firm he set up in 1983. His main professional focus was looking after Banks and real estate investor clients in Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere in S.E. Asia where he spent significant time.
Melvin is a trustee of UJIA in the UK and on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency.
He and his wife Sharman live most of the time in Israel, and have children and grandchildren in London and Tel Aviv.
Vice Chairperson
Joseph Beenstock
Born in Manchester in 1941 where he worked as a Chartered Surveyor. He lived there most of his life before retiring and moving to Israel with his wife in 2011.
Joseph’s favourite hobby is travelling especially to the Far East and South America. Here in Israel, he regularly makes tiyulim to all parts the country, as there is just so much to do and see in this wonderful country.
He has three children and six grandchildren living in London.
Honorary Secretary
Stephen Kliner
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1953 and graduated LL.B. M.A. from Glasgow University in 1976. He practised as a solicitor in private practice and is a past president of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council. He has served on the committee of his local synagogue, Habonim-Dror and Cosgrove Care (an organisation for adults and children with learning difficulties).
He conceived and co-authored a pictorial history – ‘Jewish Glasgow’ in 2013 and recently published ‘The Story of Glasgow Habonim-Dror’.
Having made Aliyah to Netanya in December 2012 he re-invented himself as a licensed tour guide. His passion is telling the story of Israel and he regularly organizes and leads tours for ESRA, IBCA and his local synagogue.
Honorary Treasurer
David Phillips
Born and bred in London, David emigrated to Manchester when he married Judith.
A Chartered Accountant by profession, David runs a Brand and Licensing Consultancy.
David was Chairman of Manchester JSoc, Chairman of UJIA Young Marrieds, President of Whitefield Hebrew Congregation for 5 years and on its Executive for over 10 years, serving in every capacity, which means that he has great experience in management and planning!
David spends many hours online advocating for Israel and sees his involvement in IBCA as a natural progression.
Brenda Katten
United Kingdom – Chaired British WIZO, the Zionist Federation, Jerusalem 3000 and the Hillel Foundation.
Professionally worked as a Relationship and Education Counsellor.
Israel – Chaired World WIZO’s Public Affairs Department. Co-chaired Europeans for Israel. Chaired ESRA and is current Chair of IBCA which she formerly chaired from 2006 – 2009
Represented Israel at the Annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York for 7 consecutive years.
Has been IBCA Chairperson twice.
Currently writes a regular column in The Jerusalem Post.
Honorary Membership Secretary
Andee Goldman
Andee made Aliyah to Israel in 2006. Her background is Mortgage Banking and sales.
She is active volunteering in different organizations within Israel and abroad. Once in Israel, she felt this was the land of Abraham and his tent, where he welcomed guests. Today, as Hon Membership Sec, she welcomes everyone to enjoy the unique activities that IBCA offers.
Andee is responsible for managing the annual renewal process for all members and for responding to new enquiries. She can be reached at membershipibca@gmail.com
Anton Felton
Born in London in 1935 qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
From 1959 he advised many major authors such as Bertrand Russell and Len Deighton on taxation and copyright, helping to negotiate their contracts, editing their books and archiving their records.
As a leading expert on Jewish carpets, he gained an M. Phil., has lectured widely and written books and articles, seeing these carpets as cultural chronicles of the Jewish people. His latest book is a history of the image of the Horned Devil Jew.
Recently widowed, he has four children, six grandchildren and lives in Israel.
Judith Phillips
Born and bred in Manchester, married to David and with a growing family in Israel, Judith together with David divides her time between the UK and Netanya.
Judith was a JP on the Manchester Bench and served on various committees including UJIA Young Marrieds, Manchester Benevolent Society and The Genesis Appeal. She also founded and ran The North Manchester Jewish Carers Support Group.
Judith is very enthusiastic about IBCA and sees her dual life as a great opportunity to spread positive news about Israel to Britain and the Commonwealth.