Nicky Cregor has been named to the Jewish News Agency’s Aliyah 100 list as one of 100 British-born Jews making aliyah who have had a powerful influence on the State of Israel. Mr Cregor was ranked eighth on the list compiled in 2017 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration.
Cregor made aliyah on her own at age 19, earning a degree in social work from the University of Haifa and then a master’s degree from Hebrew University. He recently took on a new management role after working his way up the professional ladder with the City of Jerusalem, serving as director of volunteer services for 10 years.
The magazine recently spoke to Kregor at City Hall.
What inspired you to create Ariya?
I am a proud graduate of the Reform Zionist Youth Movement. My family belonged to a Reformed congregation. From the age of 10, I attended reform summer camps. I first participated as a camper, then as a junior counselor and a senior counselor. At the age of 18, I became obsessed with the ideas and ideals of Zionism. I wanted my life to have meaning. My journey began at Kibbutz Yahel, a Reform kibbutz in southern Israel, where I remained as an adopted child for the first five years of my life.
When you were director of volunteer services, did you do any volunteer work yourself?
absolutely. I am a very active volunteer at my synagogue, Kol Haneshama, in the Baqa neighborhood of Jerusalem. It was founded in 1984, the same year as my Aliya. Kol Haneshama is more than my synagogue. From the beginning, it was my community and my family. As a connector, I connect members with volunteer opportunities. For example, I connected sports trainers with at-risk children. I also chair the Social Action Committee of the Reform Movement in Israel. Israeli soldiers and volunteers pack food boxes for families in need ahead of the Jewish holidays of Sukkot and the Jewish New Year in Avni Eitan, Golan Heights. It was organized by the Horowitz family in memory of their son Eilon, who died while serving in the military. September 2, 2021 (Credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)
Volunteer work is said to have a positive impact on the volunteers themselves. Why?
If you want to feel stronger, better, and healthier, volunteering is the way to go. It is a bridge for immigrants to the Israeli world, where they can meet people they would never meet elsewhere. You can improve your Hebrew. The more you volunteer, the stronger your bonds with others will become. Volunteering allows individuals to feel valued and needed.
What do we know about the scope of volunteering after October 7th?
These are the results of a Hebrew University study published on November 2, 2023, written by Professor Michal Almog Bar, Professor Ronit Bar, Professor Ron Barkai, and Professor Hila Malms. Preliminary findings indicate that a significant proportion of Israel’s population, approximately 48.6%, is underrepresented in the population. , engaged in volunteer work during this critical time.
There was participation from a wide range of age groups. Notably, 46% of young people (18-35 years old) actively participate in volunteer activities, compared to 52% of middle-aged people (35-55 years old). , older people (over 55 years old) also contribute significantly to volunteer activities. Participation rate was 52%. Notably, rates of volunteering were similar for both men and women, as well as for individuals with religious and secular affiliations.
The survey also revealed that the majority of volunteers had never volunteered before and chose to volunteer voluntarily during wartime.
You started working as a social worker for the city of Jerusalem 30 years ago. What kept you there?
I feel very fulfilled in my work as a member of society. I like to talk. I like listening. I like helping people. And I like working in a team. When you work for Jerusalem Municipality, you will always work within a team. That’s one of the reasons I was so happy there. There are also opportunities for professional growth. I started as a social worker at Mahane Yehuda and am currently the Senior Director of Academic and Student Employment. Many of my colleagues from then are still my colleagues today, and we now lead various departments within the system. I am honored to work for local government.
The Aliyah 100 list recognizes you as an expert negotiator who creates conditions among diverse organizations and communities. Can you give me an example?
As a negotiator, I talk to both sides before the meeting to see what they want. And when they get to the table, everyone knows their voices are heard. Over the years, I have worked with over 400 NGOs (non-governmental organizations). When I was coordinator of services for the elderly, I led a series of protests to increase government funding and championed the cause of Israeli Defense Forces veterans and Holocaust survivors. I like being “outside”. Not very British, but that’s who I am.
What advice would you give to new immigrants who, like you, would like to pursue a career in city hall management?
First of all, being passionate about what you do is the key to success. And secondly, master Hebrew. A Hebrew environment where communication is essential is open to Hebrew speakers.
Kol Haneshama has family, friends, work, and volunteer work. What other interests do you have?
I love board games. Two of my girlfriend’s three children are religious and spend a lot of time on the Sabbath playing board games. My parents used to say, “Only boring people are bored.”
What volunteer opportunities are available for English speakers in Jerusalem?
The list is endless. English speaking volunteers are desperately needed in schools. As a resource, we highly recommend the general section on volunteering and the special section for seniors on the City of Jerusalem’s English website. Nefesh B’Nefesh also lists various volunteer opportunities on its website. ■
jerusalem.muni.il/en/newsandarticles/educationmessages/studentsvolunteeringjerusalem.muni.il/en/residents/volunteering/seniorvolunteering/nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/education/higher education/volunteer-programs
Nicky Cregor From London to Jerusalem, 1984
