AJR marks 85th anniversary with first residential weekend for survivors and descendants

The Association of Jewish Refugees has marked its 85th anniversary by bringing Holocaust refugees, survivors, descendants and supporters together for its first-ever residential weekend.

The three-day gathering at Latimer House in Buckinghamshire attracted members of the AJR community from across the country for a programme of discussions, performances and workshops focused on remembrance, family history and Holocaust education.

Organisers said the sold-out event was designed not only to celebrate the charity’s milestone anniversary, but also to strengthen links between generations as the survivor community grows older and responsibility for preserving Holocaust memory increasingly passes to descendants.

The weekend opened with a welcome from AJR chief executive Michael Newman OBE, followed by Shabbat programming and a presentation by historian Dr Helen Fry on the wartime history of Latimer House.

Sessions throughout the weekend explored family archives, oral testimony and the experiences of second and third-generation descendants. Among the speakers was psychiatrist Sir Simon Wessely, who reflected on the impact of growing up in a family shaped by Holocaust experiences.

One of the weekend’s highlights was a performance of Kindness, a play inspired by the life of Holocaust survivor and AJR member Susan Pollack. The production, staged by Voices of the Holocaust, was followed by a discussion on the role of theatre and storytelling in preserving survivor testimony.

Newman said the event reflected both AJR’s history and its future mission.

“This weekend was a powerful reflection of everything AJR has stood for over the past 85 years. We brought together Holocaust refugees, descendants, and supporters from across generations to celebrate our shared history, honour those who came before us and strengthen the community that continues to carry these stories forward.

“The warmth, engagement and sense of belonging throughout the weekend demonstrated just how important these opportunities for connection remain.”

Cate Hollis, founder and artistic director of Voices of the Holocaust, said: “It was a privilege to share Kindness as part of AJR’s 85th anniversary celebrations. The response from audiences was deeply moving and reinforced the importance of continuing to tell survivor stories through creative and accessible forms.

“We are proud to have been part of a weekend that placed memory, humanity and community at its heart.”

The celebrations concluded with an anniversary gala tea featuring a performance by jazz musician Jeremy Sassoon and his band. Their programme, MOJO – Music of Jewish Origin, showcased songs by Jewish composers and performers including George Gershwin, Burt Bacharach, Bob Dylan and Amy Winehouse.

Attendees said the weekend offered a rare opportunity to meet others whose families share similar histories.

Ruth Zierler, a first-generation refugee, said: “I have attended many AJR events over the years, but this weekend felt truly special. To see younger generations engaging so thoughtfully with our stories gives me confidence that our experiences will not be forgotten.”

Second-generation attendee Tanya Novick said: “There was a real sense of belonging throughout the weekend. The discussions, talks and informal conversations helped me better understand my own family’s story while connecting with others who have walked a similar path.”

Ellie Hyams, a third-generation member, added: “As a grandchild of survivors, I sometimes feel one step removed from this history. Being surrounded by people from different generations helped me understand how important it is that we continue telling these stories and carrying them forward.”

Founded in 1941 by Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi persecution and rebuilt their lives in Britain, AJR today supports Holocaust survivors, refugees and their families while funding education, remembrance and anti-antisemitism initiatives across the UK.