Fifty years on, JCORE’s mission has never been more urgent

In many ways, the parallels with the past are stark. Recent years have seen racist rioting on our streets, pernicious violence against British Jews, Muslims, and other ethnic minorities, and a horrendous wave of hate targeting synagogues. And all that amidst the rise of political movements whose policies are anathema to our Jewish values of solidarity and compassion.

That these words could also have been written in 1976 is, naturally, cause for alarm. But our Jewish history and experience must ensure that they are a catalyst for action and not despair.

Because this truly has never been more important. Together, we have had the honour of leading our community’s work welcoming refugees and fighting racism for half a century. Never before have we felt such urgency. It is not an exaggeration to state that what is at stake is bigger than any one organisation: it is the soul of our society and country.

Yet JCORE’s history gives us so many reasons to feel positive that our vision will prevail. In the late 1970s, we played our part in defeating the National Front. When the far-right began to rise again three decades later, we joined with others to fend off the BNP.

And we have ensured that our community has always been there for those arriving in need. From running English classes for Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s, to launching a counselling unit for Bosnians fleeing the Balkans in the 1990s, and coordinating the Jewish response to the European ‘refugee crisis’ in the 2010s, we have helped build solidarity for decades.

There have been so many positive stories. With Anglo-Jewry at our side, we supported countless refugee doctors to requalify, overcoming barriers together just like our family members once had to. Inspired by the Kindertransport’s legacy, we have brought together hundreds of British Jews and young refugees through our JUMP befriending programme, ensuring that they can thrive, make the UK their new home, and build a better future here. We must remember that this journey was once our story too.

Of course, this work hasn’t always been easy, and we are not naïve to the challenges ahead. Among them is the recent alarming rise in antisemitism and the understandable temptation to turn inward. Sadly, we know too that it is not only our own community facing rising hate, and many of the ideas and policies we hoped had been defeated for good are resurfacing today.

And yes, there is an uncomfortable truth which must be addressed. It has become apparent that there are some within our community – amidst a backdrop where many feel vulnerable – who extend their support and sympathy to movements which do not respect the dignity of all.

The reasons for this development are complex. But at this precarious moment, we must resist the temptation to turn within. To partner with those who would prioritise our wellbeing over others. To repeat the language and hostility that were once addressed at our own arrival. We must always remember that our community, our society, and our country are so much stronger when we stand together.

Our hope, however, is that JCORE’s 50th anniversary is also a celebration of all that our community has achieved and a spark for further action. Through the decades, we have ensured that an outward-looking Judaism, which proudly puts its values into action, is a critical part of British society.

When JCORE first began, the organisation’s outlook was perhaps unique amongst Anglo-Jewry. But it is a testament to our community that in 2026, we are not alone in this work. Indeed, since 2023, our partnership with HIAS has taken us even further, connecting the UK to a global Jewish movement: communities working for welcome and hope across multiple continents.

Here in the UK, we see a variety of refugee, anti-racism, and social action projects, delivered to a level perhaps unimaginable in 1976. Not Only for Ourselves, Dr Joseph Finlay’s remarkable new book, exploring both JCORE’s history and the development of such work, is a fascinating read and traces this development over the decades.

Speaking out for justice has also become a core part of our communal identity – we must ensure that this remains the case for many years to come. This year’s timely Refugee Week theme (running 15 to 21 June) is courage; now, more than ever, we need bold, welcoming leadership within our community.

HIAS+JCORE has its own clear role to play within this, and we can only do that with your support. These are difficult times for the charity sector, but it is vital that we continue our work building bridges, enabling integration, and standing with our partners to counter hate.

That is how we build a cohesive society where all are safe and free. As difficult as things may be, we must always remember Hillel’s important message: we can never only be for ourselves.

• Rabbi David Mason (Executive Director, HIAS+JCORE) and Dr Edie Friedman (Honorary President, HIAS+JCORE, and JCORE’s founder and former Executive Director).