Mazel tov!

The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) would like to wish a hearty mazel tov to our members Ernest Simon, George Vulkan, Bob and Ann Kirk, Gabrielle Keenaghan, Walter Kammerling and Ruzena Levy who have been included in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2019. These inspirational people have all dedicated their lives to Holocaust remembrance, sharing their stories with thousands of schoolchildren and other organisations.

AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman said, “It is pleasing to see that the incredible work that Holocaust survivors and refugees are carrying out appreciated and recognized in this way.”

We are particularly pleased about the honour for Ernest Simon. Ernest is a member of AJR but also gives his time as a volunteer, visiting other members who are lonely and in need of social interaction with someone of a similar background. Ernest has been a member of AJR’s Austrian Fund committee for well over ten years – this involves attending monthly meetings to allocate funds to victims of Nazi persecution in need and is a role which requires a considerable level of empathy and sensitivity.

George Vulkan is one of this diminishing number of Holocaust survivors and refugees in the UK who are still able and willing to travel the country to share their experiences to schoolchildren and communities, all of whom give their time selflessly and relive their upsetting family stories time and again for the promotion of Holocaust education and remembrance, and to help combat antisemitism today. George has taken part in AJR’s My Story book project and we are delighted to be able to help him share his story in this way.