Refugee crisis: Community offers ‘unique support’ to Ukrainian Holocaust survivors

Britain’s Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is offering what it calls “unique support” to Holocaust survivors from Ukraine who finally find refuge in the UK — and the organisation is calling on the government to “simplify the process, to enable those fleeing their homes to find sanctuary here”.

Michael Newman, the AJR chief executive, said that the charity was “deeply worried about the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine”.  He said there was “grave concern” about the immediate welfare of all potentially displaced Ukrainian citizens, but said that AJR was uniquely placed to give specific help to Holocaust survivors.

Newman said: “In addition to the funds we disburse granted to us by the Claims Conference, following their negotiations with the German government, the AJR administers its own social welfare assistance that can provide immediate relief”.

He added: “We also call upon our government to once again demonstrate its humanitarian compassion and simplify the process to enable those fleeing their homes to be able to find sanctuary here. The AJR exists today because of the welcome given to the Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi oppression. The atrocities being committed have all the echoes of crimes against humanity and we urge the government to act now to give safe harbour to those who have been displaced and whose lives are at risk. Specifically, the government needs to demonstrate a commitment to moving innocent civilians out of harm’s way”.

People should donate funds wherever possible to the World Jewish Relief campaign, Newman said.