Ina Rosen has been elected as the new Chair of the Jewish Community in Denmark (Det Jødiske Samfund).
She succeeds Henri Goldstein, who stepped down in November after nearly six years in the role. In the interim, Jeppe Lilholt has served as acting chair.
Previously vice-chair, Ina Rosen holds a PhD in the sociology of religion and has worked for more than 20 years in strategy, communications, and development in large companies and organizations.
She is the first woman ever to chair the Jewish Community in its 340-year history.
The Jewish Community currently faces both positive developments and serious challenges. Since 7 October 2023, antisemitism has reached an unprecedented level. At the same time, there is room for hope and optimism: the community is growing, activities are increasing — and the youth movement is more active than ever.
“It is truly heartening to see more and more people taking part in Jewish life on their own terms. We must continue to nurture a culture that allows for diversity, while also protecting the religious core that ensures continuity and provides the framework for our lives from cradle to grave,” she says.
She emphasizes the broad political support for the Jewish Community, most recently demonstrated by the unanimous backing of the national action plan against antisemitism by all parties in the Danish Parliament.
“The political support we experience in Denmark is by no means a given when we look at many other countries. We are deeply grateful for it, and it gives us hope that 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark will not only be recognised as an important part of Danish history — but also as a living part of Denmark’s future,” says the newly elected Chair.
