Jewish Council for Racial Equality

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The Jewish Council for Racial Equality (also known as the UK Jewish Voice on Refugees and Racial Justice) or HIAS+JCORE is a

It works with organizations like CCJO René Cassin, Hope not Hate, British Red Cross, Unite Against Fascism, The Baobab Centre for Young Survivors, The Children's Society, Freedom from Torture, The Refugee Council and the British Medical Association.^[2][3]

History

The Jewish Council for Racial Equality was founded in 1976 by Dr. Edie Friedman. Originally named the Jewish Social Responsibility Council (JSRC), it was renamed in 1994, becoming The Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE).^[4] Dr. Friedman wanted to create an organization that would give “full expression to the concern, as Jews, for justice both in the UK and in the Third World." As the JSRC developed, it began to focus on specific areas such as education of the Jewish community, developing black-Jewish dialogue, and working with refugees.

In December 2022, Rabbi David Mason of Muswell Hill Synagogue was appointed as Executive Director of HIAS+JCORE, a partnership combining the work of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society or HIAS and the Jewish Council for Racial Equality in the UK.^[5] The new combined entity was launched at an event in March 2023.^[6]

Mission

The Jewish Council for Racial Equality believes that "a concern for social justice should be an integral part of Jewish identity and its relationship with the rest of society."

JCORE asserts that it is therefore necessary for Jews in the UK to speak out against racism and for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees because they know what happens when others stand by and do nothing.^[7]

Work

Race Equality Education

Educating both the Jewish community and beyond about issues of race equality.^[8][9]

Black-Asian-Jewish Dialogue

promoting knowledge and understanding between different minority groups.

uniting various groups within society so that they might educate and enrich each other's lives.

encouraging the commitment of the Jewish community to the above and stimulating their active involvement in its pursuit.^[10]

Refugees and asylum issues

Providing help and support to asylum seekers and those granted refugee status or allowed to remain through the provision of donations, vocational training, advice, and befriending

Advocating and campaigning at all levels to help alleviate suffering and poverty amongst asylum seekers in the UK and to encourage an approach that makes sure the UK abides by its international responsibility and the Refugee Convention.^[11]

encouraging the commitment of the Jewish community to the above and facilitating their active involvement in its pursuit.^[12][13][14]

Current projects

JUMP

In 2007, JCORE launched JUMP (JCORE Unaccompanied Minors Project). Inspired by the Kindertransport that brought Jewish children out of Germany and Austria to safety in Britain in 1938/39, JUMP brings young asylum seekers and refugees together with volunteer befrienders, offering support through one-to-one sessions and group activities.^[15][16][17]

Refugee Doctors Mentoring Scheme

Running since 2013, JCORE's Refugee Doctors Mentoring Scheme pairs refugee doctors with UK-trained doctors who can mentor them and help them requalify so that they are able to practice in the UK.^[18][19] The project builds on the work JCORE has been doing since the 1980s to help refugee doctors in the UK.^[20][21][22]

JCORE Support

JCORE Support provides destitute asylum seekers with help in their day-to-day lives. JCORE collects clothes, shoes, diapers, foods, toiletries, and anything else that is needed by asylum seeker drop-in centers in London.^[23]

References