Board launches heritage plaque scheme with unveiling of Jew’s Shelter tribute
The Board is calling for further nominations for the scheme, which is due to be rolled out fully next year during Jewish Culture Month in Sivan (May-June)
The Board of Deputies has officially launched its heritage plaque scheme, unveiling its first plaque on the site of the Jews’ Temporary Shelter in the East End of London and calling for the public to submit nominations for consideration.
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board, unveiled the plaque on Thursday, with attendees including representatives of today’s Jews’ Temporary Shelter charity, representatives of HIAS+JCORE, (the British successor of the HIAS – Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society – which ran the Shelter) by the Tower Hamlets archivist and by experts on the Jewish East End from then nearby Queen Mary University of London.
Following the launch, Phil Rosenberg said: “This plaque, designed by Emily Hoffnung, is the first in our national heritage plaque scheme. The project recognises the Jewish people, places and institutions which have shaped British life. Today, we’re calling on the public to submit nominations for future Jewish heritage plaques to celebrate our community’s contribution. Our heritage plaque scheme will be rolled out during Jewish Culture Month which we will be holding in the Hebrew month of Sivan (May/June).”
The Jews’ Temporary Shelter was established in 1885 to assist Jewish refugees by offering them temporary accommodation, meals and a network of contacts to help them find work. It occupied several addresses in the East End of London and, latterly, one in Willesden. Although, the Shelter is now closed, the Jews Temporary Shelter charity is still in existence and offers grants for housing related items to applicants in urgent need.
The Shelter had densely packed 30-bed dormitories to accommodate 130 men and women. There were also dining, recreation and reading rooms. On the top floor an isolation department accommodated those arriving with serious illnesses.
The Shelter assisted refugees from the Holocaust and later Jewish refugees fleeing persecution from countries including Hungary, Egypt, Aden (now in Yemen) and Iran.
Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE said: “We were honoured to celebrate HIAS’ history of supporting Jewish refugees in the UK. Our work at HIAS+JCORE builds on that legacy, helping displaced people rebuild their lives today. Now, as then, things are not easy for those needing sanctuary – but guided by our Jewish values we can create a proud future of welcome in the UK.”
People from the Jewish community or the general public who are interested in nominating a site to receive a heritage plaque are encouraged to fill in this form, including the name of the person or organisation nominated, the building where the plaque would be fixed and the reason they feel the person or organisation should receive this recognition.
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