My first evening at Olami UK: founders, sushi and a new family

There's something special about walking into an event in a foreign city where you don't know a single person. That's exactly how I showed up to my first evening at Olami UK in London, a night called AFTER HOURS that Olami UK ran together with NXT JEN: on my own, no familiar faces, plenty of curiosity and a few butterflies. Turns out that's the best possible starting point.

A bit of background for anyone who doesn't know it: Olami UK is the new name of the JLE (Jewish Learning Exchange), a Jewish organization that has been active in the UK since 1985 and became Olami UK in 2026. Its mission is simple and beautiful: to make Judaism meaningful and relevant for young Jews, students and young professionals, through Friday-night dinners, talks, a mentorship programme, trips and events. And the name isn't random: Olami is a global community for young Jews around the world.

So what did I find there? Lots of entrepreneurs and business people. People chasing their dream, just like me. Some who built something from scratch, some just getting started, some halfway there, and all of them with the same spark in their eyes.

The vibe was the kind where you don't need an excuse to start talking. Someone asks what you do, and a minute later you're deep into ideas, plans and dreams. I left with lots of interesting conversations and lots of collaborations that I can't wait to see grow.

The highlight of the night was an on-stage conversation with Anthony Eskinazi, Founder & President of JustPark: a sofa, an interviewer, Eskinazi, and rows of full chairs. If you don't live in the UK: JustPark is one of the best-known parking apps in the country. It started out as ParkatmyHouse, built on a simple idea: let people rent out their private parking space or driveway to drivers looking for a spot. Today you can book around 45,000 private driveways through it in London alone, and it later joined forces with the American company ParkHub and expanded to the United States.

What stayed with me from the conversation wasn't just the business story, but what it says to a room full of people like us: a small idea, born out of an everyday problem everyone knows, can grow into a company every driver in Britain has heard of. Hearing that from someone who walked the road himself, in front of an audience of people chasing their own dreams, is exactly the kind of inspiration you take home.

And of course there was a treat too: sushi platters and an open bar. It might sound like a small detail, but it's what turns a formal meetup into a genuinely pleasant evening, the kind you're in no hurry to leave.

As an Israeli in London, I can say this is one of the best doors into the city's Jewish and professional world. You don't need to know anyone in advance, you don't need to be religious, and you don't need any credentials. You just show up. Olami is a Jewish organization that is another family in London, and I felt it from the very first evening.

If you're in London too, or on your way there, I warmly recommend checking out Olami UK's website and coming to the next event. Come alone, don't worry: you won't stay alone for long.