The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) has successfully marked its 85th anniversary with its first-ever Residential Weekend, bringing together Holocaust refugees, descendants and members of the wider Jewish community for an inspiring three days of celebration, learning, remembrance and connection.
Held in the beautiful Latimer House, in the Buckinghamshire countryside, the sold-out event welcomed attendees from across the UK and represented a significant milestone in AJR’s history. The weekend reflected the organisation’s enduring mission to support Holocaust refugees and survivors and their families while ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the Holocaust continue to be passed on to future generations.
Throughout the weekend, participants enjoyed a rich programme of talks, workshops, performances and social events designed to celebrate community, honour family histories and strengthen bonds across generations.
The event opened with a welcome from AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman OBE, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and a keynote presentation from renowned historian Dr Helen Fry, on the history of Latimer House and its role during the Second World War.
A series of workshops and discussion groups explored family history, archives, oral testimony and what it means to be part of the descendants’ community today. Participants also heard from leading voices, including Sir Simon Wessely, who shared reflections on being second generation and the continuing relevance of family history and memory.
One of the weekend’s highlights was a performance of Kindness, the acclaimed play inspired by the experiences of AJR member and Holocaust survivor Susan Pollack. The production, delivered by Voices of the Holocaust and supported through AJR funding, was followed by a moving audience discussion that explored the role of storytelling and the arts in preserving Holocaust memory.
Michael Newman OBE, Chief Executive of AJR, said:
“This weekend was a powerful reflection of everything AJR has stood for over the past 85 years. We brought together Holocaust refugees, descendants and supporters from across generations to celebrate our shared history, honour those who came before us and strengthen the community that continues to carry these stories forward. The warmth, engagement and sense of belonging throughout the weekend demonstrated just how important these opportunities for connection remain.”
Cate Hollis, Founder & Artistic Director at Voices of the Holocaust, said:
“It was a privilege to share Kindness as part of AJR’s 85th anniversary celebrations. The response from audiences was deeply moving and reinforced the importance of continuing to tell survivor stories through creative and accessible forms. We are proud to have been part of a weekend that placed memory, humanity and community at its heart.”
The celebrations culminated in the AJR Gala Tea, a special anniversary gathering that brought together attendees from across the weekend in a joyful celebration of community and shared heritage. The event featured a memorable performance from internationally acclaimed jazz singer-pianist Jeremy Sassoon and his band, whose MOJO – Music of Jewish Origin programme celebrated the work of iconic Jewish songwriters from George Gershwin and Burt Bacharach to Bob Dylan and Amy Winehouse.
Attendees described the weekend as both uplifting and meaningful, highlighting the rare opportunity to connect with others who share similar family histories and experiences.
Ruth Zierler, a first-generation refugee participant, said:
“I have attended many AJR events over the years, but this weekend felt truly special. To see younger generations engaging so thoughtfully with our stories gives me confidence that our experiences will not be forgotten.”
Tanya Novick, a second-generation attendee commented:
“There was a real sense of belonging throughout the weekend. The discussions, talks and informal conversations helped me better understand my own family’s story while connecting with others who have walked a similar path.”
Ellie Hyams, a third-generation member added:
“As a grandchild of survivors, I sometimes feel one step removed from this history. Being surrounded by people from different generations helped me understand how important it is that we continue telling these stories and carrying them forward.”
The Gala Tea provided a fitting conclusion to the anniversary weekend, highlighting AJR’s belief that remembrance and celebration can sit side by side. Bringing together survivors, descendants, families and supporters in one room, it showcased the strength of a community built on resilience, shared values and a commitment to ensuring that Holocaust memory remains relevant for future generations.
Founded in 1941 by Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi persecution, AJR today remains the exclusive charity supporting a unique and remarkable community united by a shared history and a deep commitment to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. The organisation funds Holocaust learning supports refugees and survivors and their families, combats antisemitism and develops pioneering resources for Holocaust research and education.
As AJR looks to the future, the success of the Residential Weekend reinforces the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities for connection, learning and remembrance, while continuing to support the UK’s largest community of Holocaust descendants and all those committed to preserving this vital history.
