Yoffi's History

Yoffi began when the 14-16 year olds in Kingston & Surbiton District Synagogue were fed up with the lack of Jewish youth activities in the area and decided to do something about it. A group was formed, but it was not yet Yoffi. We met at each others houses, or went out occasionally as a group. But we wanted more. Sure, it was fun seeing each other every fortnight, but we wanted to meet other Jewish teenagers, so we decided to affiliate with a Jewish youth organisation. We invited a few representatives down from different youth groups to speak to us and the FZY representative impressed us most. Yoffi FZY was formed on 21st June 1998, when we had our first meeting as the new group.

After a very successful first year in which we expanded greatly we held our first A.G.M. on 11th July 1999. Our previous two co-chairs stepped down voluntarily, and a new committee was elected. We are very grateful to these two - Anna Prager and Laura Citron - for helping Yoffi grow, with the help pf their committee. We also owe thanks to everyone who came over the year - Yoffi would not exist without you - and wish the best of luck to next year's committee. Another big thanks also goes out to all the FZY madricihim who came all the way down to South London to visit us so often.

Hopefully in 1999-00 Yoffi will continue to grow in the same way as in its inaugaural year.