Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg yesterday unveiled the organisation’s first Jewish heritage plaque on the site of the Jews’ Temporary Shelter which operated from 1930 to 1973.
The plaque is the first in a project to illustrate the history of the Jewish community in the UK over many years and also highlights the contribution to British culture and society of outstanding individuals.
Following the launch, Phil Rosenberg said: “This plaque, designed by Emily Hoffnung, is the first in our national heritage plaque scheme. The project recognises the Jewish people, places and institutions which have shaped British life. Today, we’re calling on the public to submit nominations for future Jewish heritage plaques to celebrate our community’s contribution. Our heritage plaque scheme will be rolled out during Jewish Culture Month which we will be holding in the Hebrew month of Sivan (May/June). In these difficult times, we need more joy and less oy.”
The Jews’ Temporary Shelter was established in 1885 to assist Jewish refugees by offering them temporary accommodation, meals and a network of contacts to help them find work. It occupied several addresses in the East End of London and, latterly, one in Willesden. Although, the Shelter is now closed, the Jews Temporary Shelter charity is still in existence and offers grants for housing related items to applicants in urgent need.
The Shelter had densely packed 30-bed dormitories to accommodate 130 men and women. There were also dining, recreation and reading rooms. On the top floor an isolation department accommodated those arriving with serious illnesses.
The Shelter assisted refugees from the Holocaust and later Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in India, Hungary, Egypt, Aden and Iran.
The unveiling was attended by representatives of today’s Jews’ Temporary Shelter charity, representatives of HIAS+JCORE, (the British successor of HIAS Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society which ran the Shelter) by the Tower Hamlets archivist and by experts on the Jewish East from then nearby Queen Mary University of London. Historic photographs of the Shelter, and a video from the time, were on display to visitors.
Rabbi David Mason, Executive Director at HIAS+JCORE said: “We were honoured to celebrate HIAS’ history of supporting Jewish refugees in the UK. Our work at HIAS+JCORE builds on that legacy, helping displaced people rebuild their lives today. Now, as then, things are not easy for those needing sanctuary – but guided by our Jewish values we can create a proud future of welcome in the UK.”
If you would like to nominate people or organisations for the heritage plaque scheme, please use this form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe85_4DDh8dG271yCXvYX_8NibEMntQD6rB5hYmtwe6Un1aXg/viewform