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Department of Geography
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Durham student elected President of Union of Jewish Students

14 December 2023
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Female student Sami Berkoff smiling, looking at camera

Durham student Sami Berkoff has been elected President of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS).

Sami, who is currently Co-President of Durham University Jewish Society, was elected by Jewish students from across the UK and Ireland.

A member of our St Cuthbert’s Society, she will take up the full-time role after completing her Geography degree in summer 2024.

‘Stand strong with Sami’

Sami, who is originally from London, was elected on a manifesto of community, working with local Jewish societies and supporting Jewish students.

Her campaign slogan was ‘Stand strong with Sami’. She has pledged to be an advocate for Jewish students and female empowerment.

The election took place at the annual UJS conference. Sami won by one vote.

She said: “I was so happy. It was amazing. The support from everyone, including the other candidates, has been amazing.”

Sami thanked Floren Kay, her Durham University Jewish Society Co-President, for her support.

Shaid Mahmood, our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), congratulated Sami on her election, saying: "Sami is an impressive and deeply committed leader who has worked collaboratively with the University to ensure the Jewish student community has a voice and feels supported.

"Her election to this prestigious national role is both an honour for her and Durham University, and we wish her all the very best."

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