Jeremy Spinak was one of the youngest Presidents of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. After attending Emanuel School, he acquired a First Class Honours degree in Economics and International Relations from the University of NSW. He later studied International Relations at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Jeremy worked as a policy adviser to two NSW Government ministers and as a legislative aide to a United States senator. He subsequently worked in the property industry and ran his own property funds management business.

He began holding senior positions on the boards of major Jewish organisations while in his early twenties. As President of the Jewish Board of Deputies, he passionately believed in building partnerships and alliances with other ethnic and multi-faith communities as well as providing pathways for emerging leaders. He remarked in a speech night address that ‘the Jewish community has been so successful for so long because our people have been willing to put up their hands and contribute toward community life.’

Jeremy had a keen interest in US politics, history, rugby league and classical music. He was a devoted husband to Rhiannon and father to Grace and Michael. He passed away at the age of 36, five months after being diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. In his eulogy, Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins remarked that Jeremy was a ‘beautiful, unique and much appreciated young man of untold value, an excellent unselfish man devoted to Australia, community and family…Jeremy’s light does shine on, through each of us blessed to know him, and into the future.’

Since Jeremy’s passing in November 2018, he has been inducted into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll and was awarded the Medal of Australia for significant service to the Jewish community, to multicultural relations and to interfaith dialogue.

This leadership program is named in his memory.