London, 20 January 2026 — The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) today hosted its annual Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, marking this year’s theme Bridging Generations, with moving testimony, intergenerational dialogue and remembrance.
As the organisation representing the UK’s largest community of Holocaust refugees and their descendants, AJR plays a leading role in ensuring the legacy of the Holocaust is carried forward.
The service brought together Jewish victims of Nazi persecution and their descendants — from the first to the fourth generation — in a powerful service underscoring the responsibility felt by the community to keep the legacy of their family history alive.
Held at Belsize Square Synagogue, the programme included a moving candle-lighting ceremony led by Holocaust survivors Mala Tribich, Ivor Perl, Jackie Young and Joanna Millan, who lit candles alongside descendants representing four generations. This was followed by deeply personal reflections from those whose lives continue to be shaped by the Holocaust.
Michael Newman OBE, CEO of AJR, who welcomed attendees, said:
“Today’s commemoration stands as a reminder that remembrance is not static — it is something that must be actively renewed, shared and passed on. Through eyewitness testimony and our growing community of descendants, AJR continues to ensure that Holocaust memory is never reduced to the past — but remains a living lesson for the future.”
Joanna Millan BEM, JP, child survivor and one of the Windermere Children, shared her experience of surviving Theresienstadt and rebuilding her life in Britain:
“The children incarcerated in Theresienstadt were put on planes to Windermere in the Lake District. I was one of the six youngest children – three boys and three girls – who were kept together. I knew, even then, that my parents were dead, because everybody’s parents were dead. I only found out how my parents perished much later on in life. I wanted to know, so I could tell my children what had happened. It is my fervent wish that by sharing my story with young people, I am helping to bridge generations — so that the Holocaust is remembered not as history alone, but as a warning for the future.”
Speaking as part of the second generation, and on how memory is carried within families, Baroness Ruth Deech said:
“Those of us in the second generation grew up shaped by experiences we did not live but saw reflected in our families. They were part of our everyday lives. Holocaust remembrance is not only about honouring the past — it has to be about protecting Jewish families and understanding how its legacy continues to affect society today.”
Sarah Deech, a third generation reflected on inherited memory and responsibility:
“I find myself thinking about my grandparents’ Holocaust trauma more as I get older and the atmosphere for Jews becomes increasingly febrile. Being the ‘third generation’ means we are close enough to know their stories personally, but far enough away to risk losing them. It’s so important that the stories of our unique community continue to be heard.”
Eddie Caplan, representing the fourth generation, highlighted the importance of continuing the chain of memory:
“My great-grandfather came to Britain on his own at 15, not much older than I am today. He didn’t know where he would live, or if he would survive while I’ve grown up with safety and certainty. Hearing his story makes me realise that remembering the Holocaust is no longer just something older generations do — it’s now my responsibility too.”
The service was led by Rabbi Gabriel Botnick and Cantor Dr Paul Heller, with prayers, readings creating a reflective and dignified commemoration of the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust.
This year’s service takes place at a particularly significant moment for the AJR, as the charity marks 80 years of The AJR Journal, this month. Just ahead of the commemoration, AJR held a separate event to mark this milestone, celebrating eight decades, the Journal has chronicled the lives and experiences of Jewish refugees. Together, these moments underscores AJR’s role in preserving personal histories that might otherwise have been lost and ensuring that testimony is carried forward across generations.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency the Austrian Ambassador Bernhard Wrabetz, diplomats from the Swiss, Danish, Austrian, German, and Israeli embassies, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Following proceedings guests attended a reception in the synagogue hall, where AJR members, descendants, and dignitaries reflected on the continuing importance of education, remembrance, and compassion in countering antisemitism and hatred today.
