The Jewish Council for Racial Equality was founded in 1976 by Dr Edie Friedman. Originally named the Jewish Social Responsibility Council, Dr Friedman wanted to create an organisation 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 became clear that it was more successful focussing on a few specific areas such as educating the Jewish community, developing Black-Jewish dialogue and working with refugees. To reflect more accurately the role of the organisation, the JSRC was renamed in 1994, becoming The Jewish Council for Racial Equality.
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.
Work
JCORE works in three main areas:
Race equality education
Educating both the Jewish community and beyond about issues of race equality.
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.
Refugees and asylum issues
Providing help and support to asylum seekers and those granted refugee status or leave 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. Encouraging the commitment of the Jewish community to the above and facilitating their active involvement in its pursuit.
Current Projects
JUMP In 2007 JCORE launched JUMP. Inspired by the Kindertransport that brought Jewish children out of Germany and Austria to safety in Britain in 1938/39, JUMP brings together young asylum seekers and refugees with volunteer befrienders, offering support through one-to-one sessions and group activities. 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. The project follows on from work JCORE has been doing since the 1980s to help refugee doctors in the UK. No Way To Live No Way to Live is a JCORE campaign to end the causes of destitution amongst asylum seekers. It is part of Still Human Still Here, a coalition of over 60 organisations that are dedicated to highlighting the plight of tens of thousands of refused asylum seekers in UK and campaigning to end destitution amongst them. JCORE Support JCORE Support provides destitute asylum seekers with practical help in their day-to-day lives. JCORE collects clothes, shoes, nappies, foods, toiletries and anything else that is needed by asylum seeker drop-in centres in London.
Publications
Let’s Make a Difference: Teaching Anti-racism in Primary Schools – A Jewish Perspective Dr Edie Friedman, Hazel Woolfson, Sheila Freedman and Shirley Murgraff Unaccompanied Refugee Children: Have the Lessons Been Learnt? Jack Gilbert Making a Difference: Promoting Race Equality in Secondary Schools, Youth Groups and Adult Education – a Jewish Perspective Dr Edie Friedman Start With a Difference: Promoting Race Equality in the Early Years – A Jewish Perspective Julie Taylor Reluctant Refuge: The Story of Asylum in Britain Dr Edie Friedman and Reva Klein Guide for Refugee Doctors – Sixth Edition Jo Waterfield & Jo Attwool
