About the AJA

Established in 1871, the AJA is a founding member of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (the Claims Conference), which represents Holocaust survivors in negotiations for compensation and the restitution of appropriated assets.

The AJA is also a member of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, the only international body dedicated solely to advancing Jewish cultural activities. Created in 1965 with reparation monies from the Government of West Germany, today the Foundation fosters cultural creativity and pursues the continuity of Jewish civilization. The Memorial awards numerous grants for academic research and publications as well as Doctoral and Fellowships grants and scholarships to PhD and other students. Other beneficiaries of Memorial grants include writers, rabbis, educators and artists.

Together with the Alliance Israélite Universelle, the AJA is a constituent organisation of the Consultative Council of Jewish Organisations and is represented at a number of non-governmental organisations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, UNESCO and the United Nations Association.

The AJA is a Privileged Body of the Crown enabling it to present petitions and congratulations to the Royal Family.

The AJA is governed by an Executive and headed by a President. The President can serve a maximum of two continuous 3 year terms. Members of the Executive are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The Executive is responsible for managing the various educational Trusts and developing and setting the charity’s policy. To read the latest President’s report click here.

As part of its commitment to inform the Jewish community, the AJA organises lectures and debates on topics of interest to British Jewry and which affect Jewish people throughout the world.

Annually, the AJA arranges for a guest speaker to give the Leslie Prince Memorial Lecture. In 2007 we welcomed General Sir Rupert Smith (Israel and the New Face of War) and in 2006 guests heard from Middle-East journalist Richard Miron (Did Israel win in Lebanon?). Previous speakers include Moty Cristal and Otto von Habsburg.

We issue press releases and comment on topical stories affecting British Jewish students and where we feel we have something fresh and different to say. For previous press releases click here.