My name is Avishai Marcus. I am currently learning at Yeshivat Hakotel with Bnei Akiva Torani. I was a student at Hasmonean High School where I studied Biology, Politics and Sociology for A Levels. I plan to study International Relations and Politics at university.

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I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected as one of the two Yoni Jesner Scholars for 2018-19. It has been an absolute privilege to learn about Yoni and his amazing achievements. Yoni had a clear understanding of his values and then put relentless effort, energy (and good humour) into actualising them. Yoni was at the heart of the community and had the community in his heart. Although proudly Orthodox, Yoni’s sense of community was outward looking, inclusive and welcoming – this is one of many aspects of Yoni that deeply resonates with me and which I aspire to emulate (although he set the bar phenomenally high!!).

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I was sgan (Deputy) at Edgware Bnei Akiva and appreciate the chance to give back to the Movement I have attended since the age of 7.

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I enjoy playing football regularly and I have been associated with Maccabi Football for the past 10 years as a player and as a coach. The young teams represent the full range of Anglo-Jewry and I am profoundly aware that for some of these children, Maccabi football is their sole connection to it.

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My other passion is photography, both the skill and the art of it – and in addition to 'Smachot’ I like to use my photography to cover charity events, community projects and Jewish educational visits.

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I am so grateful to the Yoni Jesner Foundation for this opportunity and will do all I can to perpetuate Yonis' remarkable legacy.