About the AJA

The Anglo-Jewish Association (AJA) was established in 1871 by leading members of the Anglo Jewish Community to represent views on matters relevant to Jews and to facilitate education through operating a network of Jewish schools across the British Empire.

The AJA continues to be active in defending the interests of Jews – through its ongoing roles as 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 and The Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, the sole international body dedicated to advancing Jewish cultural activities.

Created in 1965 with reparation monies from the Government of West Germany, the Memorial Foundation fosters cultural creativity and pursues the continuity of Jewish civilization. The Memorial Foundation awards 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 messages of congratulation to the Royal Family.