About the AJR
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) provides an extensive range of social and welfare services, and grants financial assistance to Jewish victims of Nazi persecution living in Great Britain.
The organisation was founded as a Friendly Society in 1941 by Jewish refugees from Central Europe and now has extensive experience attending to the needs of Holocaust refugees and survivors who came to this country before, during and after the Second World War.
About 70,000 refugees – including approximately 10,000 children on the Kindertransport – arrived in Great Britain from Nazi-occupied Europe in the late 1930s. They were joined at the end of the Second World War by survivors of the ghettos and concentration camps.
Membership is extended to all Jewish victims of Nazi persecution and their spouses and we also welcome as members the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and refugees, the Second and Third Generations.
Alongside the support provided by our social services department, the Association has a nationwide network of regional groups offering members a unique opportunity to socialise and enjoy entertainment in their local area. Members also receive support from volunteers and advice and assistance on welfare rights as well as on Holocaust reparations.
The Kindertransport, representing the child refugees who arrived in Britain prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, and the Child Survivors Association, which offers support to the people, who as children, were trapped in Nazi-occupied Europe, are AJR special interest groups.
The AJR Centre, now located at the Belsize Square Synagogue, serves kosher lunches and arranges entertainment and the opportunity to participate in outings and holidays. All members receive the highly respected monthly AJR Journal, which combines topical news analysis with feature articles as well as book, theatre and film reviews as well as information about the AJR’s services and activities.
The AJR is also committed to ensuring that future generations can learn about the Holocaust. As well as supporting educational and research projects, the AJR has produced several resources that help perpetuate the legacy of the Jewish refugees and survivors, how they rebuilt their lives and their remarkable contributions to Britain.
Annual membership of the AJR is £25 (£35 overseas) and in addition to the services outlined on this website, members receive an annual subscription to AJR Journal. AJR enrolment form is here.
For more information about the work of the AJR and details of the services described on this website, to apply for membership or to offer your services as a volunteer please contact us by telephone on 020 8385 3070 or by email at enquiries@ajr.org.uk