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01/08/2019
AJR Celebrates Volunteers in London
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) thanked and celebrated their volunteers at the Wiener Library in July with a summer evening of food and Pimms.
01/08/2019
AJR Northern Regional
On 17 July 2019 nearly 100 AJR members from across the North of England attended our Annual Northern Regional at The Holocaust Learning and Education Centre at Huddersfield University Members were welcomed by AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman. Lilian Black, Chair of the HSFA welcomed members and talked about the key part she has played in setting up this new learning facility. We also heard from Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Huddersfield University on the impact the new Centre has had on the University. Members also had the opportunity to tour the exhibition at their leisure and enjoyed lunch an the opportunity to socialise with old friends and meet new ones.
25/06/2019
Blue Plaque for Belsize Square Synagogue
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is delighted to announce the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of Belsize Square Synagogue on Tuesday 25 June 2019, in celebration of the synagogue’s 80th anniversary. Guests at the ceremony included descendants of founder members of the synagogue. Camden Council was represented by the council leader Georgia Gould and Councillors Richard Cotton and Neil Nerva. Belsize Square Synagogue was founded in 1939 by Jewish refugees, the majority of whom came from Germany. It continues today as a thriving progressive Jewish community blending modernity with tradition. Many of their members are children, grand-children or great-grand-children of the founders. Lee Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Belsize Square Synagogue said: “We are honoured to be receiving a plaque as a permanent memorial, recognising our strong connection to the AJR and our contribution to Jewish refugees.” AJR Trustee, Frank Harding, who devised the plaque scheme, said:...
20/06/2019
News from Scotland and Newcastle
THE Association of Jewish Refugees is continuing to find and support new first generation members. Speaking at the AJR Scotland and Newcastle Gathering on Tuesday, chief executive Michael Newman said: “Last year we enrolled more than 50 first gen members and this year we already have 30 more. “We do have 11 members more than 100 years old and the largest cohort are in their 90s. You are all amazing people. “The AJR is in the position of changing people’s lives considerably. We receive significant funding from the German Government each year and the vast majority of this money is spent on home care.” Speaking about education, Mr Newman added: “Evermore in the future, we will be turning our face to education. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre Holocaust Era Study Centre project and each year we are sponsoring many projects throughout the UK relating...
11/06/2019
AJR secures tax exemption for Kinder
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) has secured tax exemptions for Kinder receiving the 2,500 euros compensation paid by the German government through the Claims Conference. In a letter sent to the Trustees of the AJR on 7 June 2019, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon. Jesse Norman MP, confirms that the awards will not attract income tax or capital gains tax. Mr Norman continued “As it stands, the compensation payments would be considered part of a recipient’s taxable estate for inheritance tax (IHT). However, I am pleased to confirm that the Government will be making legislative changes necessary to ensure these payments are not subject to IHT. I have made a statement to Parliament announcing the Government’s intention to make these changes in the next Finance Bill.” AJR Trustee David Rothenberg said, “On behalf of those of our members whom this will affect I thank the Financial...