About Next Generation
The AJR has always welcomed the Next Generations as members, something reflected in our Articles of Association. As we approach our 83rd year in 2023, the second and third generation now make up the majority of our membership.
If you are the child, grandchild, or even great-grandchild of a Jewish refugee or Holocaust survivor, we invite you to join our growing community of over 1,000 second and third generation members of the AJR, and to participate in some of the fascinating events and activities we run specifically for people like you.
Learn more about your family history and heritage, celebrate the culture of your ancestors, commemorate the incredible stories of the Holocaust, and keep our legacy alive.
While we remain fully focused on delivering our critical social welfare services to the remaining first generation, as the number of that cohort inevitably declines, we are now looking to serve the interests of the Next Generations. In her new role as AJR Next Generations Manager, Debra Barnes is busy connecting with individuals and other organisations around the world to bring this unique community closer together.
For some, family heritage may have always played a big part in their lives, while others are only now thinking about what it means to them. Maybe you grew up as part of the AJR family, used to seeing the AJR Journal arrive through your letterbox at the beginning of every month and attending AJR events with your parents, or perhaps you only recently discovered your connection to the Holocaust and don’t know where to begin your new journey. For most, just knowing you are not alone and that there are others with similar backgrounds, can be incredibly comforting.
The AJR is a national organisation and we aim to reach our members all over the UK. Our Outreach Team hold regular in-person meetings as far afield as Glasgow, Norfolk, Bristol and Bournemouth, plus a varied selection of online talks and presentations for those unable to attend in person. In addition to our annual commemoration services for Yom HaShoah and Kristallnacht, other activities include day trips, holidays, an annual tea, Purim and Chanukah parties, and visits to exhibitions.