In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) dedicated Tuesday afternoon to those who have helped Holocaust survivors and refugees share their stories.

AJR’s My Story initiative is a collaborative effort between volunteers and AJR members to create personalised life story books that document the experiences of Holocaust refugees and survivors.

These narratives, which are all available on AJR’s website, are distinct from other memoirs of survivors as they do not just talk about their experiences of the Holocaust but also about their adjustment to life in the UK.

Manfred Goldberg's story (Photo: AJR)

Lisa Bayfield, an AJR volunteer, who worked with Hana Newman and Ivan Shaw on their My Story books, told the JC that interviewing them was an experience “which will stay with me forever”, adding: “Having the privilege to listen to Hana and Ivan tell their incredible stories was a profoundly moving experience. Hana and Ivan’s extraordinary courage and strength to retell the most traumatic events in significant detail was testament to two remarkable individuals.”

AJR volunteer Lisa Bayfield with Ivan Shaw, whose story she recorded for AJR's My Story project (Photo: AJR)

“I know that their families appreciate having their stories recorded in the My Story book, and I thank the AJR for allowing me to take part.”

Michael Newman, CEO of the AJR, said that by “capturing and sharing the stories of this unique community with projects such as My Story, [the AJR] helps preserve the record of the darkest period of Jewish history and share its lessons and its warnings, in the hope that it can never recur”.

Monique Liliane Blake's story (Photo: AJR)

Tuesday’s event in north London, which also marked National Holocaust Survivor Day, included a speech from Manfred Goldberg, who survived multiple concentration camps. Manfred has met the Prince and Princess of Wales on more than one occasion, with the Princess saying she would “never forget” their conversation. 

Holocaust survivors Mary Green, Anna Russell and Monique Blake and Kindertransport refugee Rev. Berndt Koschland, all of whom have recorded their experiences for the My Story project, were also at the AJR event.

Fran Horwich, head of volunteer services at the charity, said: “Here at the AJR, our volunteer network reaches Holocaust refugees and survivors across every region of the UK. We are proud of our 80-plus year history in supporting this unique community, a privilege made possible by the vital help of volunteers. So, today we pay tribute to their invaluable contribution, hard work, dedication and passion.”

Rev. Bernd Koschland's story (Photo: AJR)

The AJR, which was founded in 1941 to provide social welfare to Jewish victims of Nazism, has a team of over 250 volunteers. Aside from the My Story project, volunteering activities include playing cards, accompanying AJR members on walks, tech support and chats over a cup of tea.

All the My Story books are available on AJR’s website

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