AJN national editor Zeddy Lawrence.

AJN STAFF

ZEDDY Lawrence, the new national editor of The Australian Jewish News, has outlined his vision for the paper, expressing his intention to “engage, inspire, educate and entertain” the community.

He has joined The AJN team after four years as editor of the Jewish News & Media Group in the UK.

A graduate of Oxford University, the 39-year-old also studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on the British and Australian semester program.

Lawrence said: “I am truly honoured to take up this new position, having long regarded The AJN as one of the finest Jewish newspapers in the world. The esteem in which it is held, both inside and outside the community, is a tribute to the efforts of my predecessors and to the dedicated team here today. I look forward to playing my part in building on their achievements, providing the community with a newspaper that engages, inspires, educates and entertains Australian Jewry.”
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Age editor-in-chief Paul Ramadge (centre), with ZCV president Dr Danny Lamm (left) and JCCV president John Searle. Photo: ZCV/JCCV

NAOMI LEVIN

THERE were no shy silences when The Age’s editor-in-chief, Paul Ramadge, asked for questions following his speech to Melbourne’s Jewish community last week.

Around 200 people packed Beth Weizmann on October 6 for the speech, which Ramadge aptly called “dialogue”.

The evening ran over time as the audience made comments and fired questions at the editor.

Ramadge has been editor-in-chief for a year, since Andrew Jaspan left. During that time, he has been criticised by both Jewish community leaders and Jewish members of the public for the paper’s reportage of Israel and Jewish community issues.

Ramadge began his speech by expressing wishes of chag sameach for Succot, before remarking, “I do not want to pretend to understand the Jewish narrative as well as you do.”
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Zeddy Lawrence … appointed new AJN national editor.

AJN STAFF

THE AJN has appointed a new national editor. Zeddy Lawrence, the current editorial director of The Jewish News in the United Kingdom, is expected to take up the post later this year.

Based in Melbourne, Lawrence will bring plenty of experience to the role, having previously worked in print, online, television and radio.

“We’re thrilled to announce Zeddy’s appointment,” AJN publisher Robert Magid said. “Zeddy’s experience working closely with the local Jewish community in England, combined with his knowledge of Israel, will see The AJN go from strength to strength.”

Lawrence, 39, has held the top job at The Jewish News in the UK for four years. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics, he began his media career in television as a script writer.

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