AJR thanks its volunteers for helping Holocaust survivors and refugees share their stories

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

“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)[Missing Credit]

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)[Missing Credit]

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

.