Michael Newman OBE – CEO AJR
A recent Times article highlighted the urgent need to rethink how we care for older people in Britain. It painted a stark picture of the challenges many families face when navigating the care system, and argued that older people deserve to live their later years with dignity, independence and humanity.
At the AJR we couldn’t agree more.
For Holocaust refugees and survivors, remaining at home is about much more than comfort. Home represents familiarity, security and the continuity of a life rebuilt after unimaginable upheaval. For many, it is where memories, family and community come together.
That is why the AJR is committed to helping Holocaust refugees and survivors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
As the national charity dedicated exclusively to supporting Holocaust refugees and survivors in Great Britain, we provide practical, emotional and financial assistance to a unique community whose needs are unlike any other.
Through our Homecare Scheme, funded by the German government via the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany as part of its ongoing programme of reparations, we help hundreds of survivors access the care they need to remain at home in comfort, dignity, familiarity and security.
This specialist support can be life-changing, reducing the need for residential care while enabling survivors to maintain their independence and quality of life.
The AJR also provides wider welfare support, including assistance with medical costs, home adaptations, transport, utilities, specialist equipment and expert advice on compensation and restitution. Every application is considered with compassion and an understanding of the lasting impact of Nazi persecution.
Today, our community includes more than 30 members who are over 100 years old. They have survived persecution, rebuilt their lives and made an extraordinary contribution to Britain. They deserve to live their later years with the dignity, security and support they have earned.
Yet we know there are still Holocaust refugees and survivors across the UK who are unaware that they may be eligible for AJR support.
If you, a family member, friend, neighbour or someone you care for came to Britain as a victim of Nazi persecution, we encourage you to get in touch. We also ask carers, social workers, healthcare professionals and community organisations to help spread the word.
No Holocaust survivor should face later life without the support available to them.
Find out more
To learn about the support available through the AJR, or to discuss whether you or someone you know may be eligible, please contact our Social Work Team. We stand ready to help ensure that every Holocaust refugee and survivor can live later life with the comfort, dignity and security they deserve.
