To mark International Human Rights Day on Saturday 10 December, two UK Jewish charities are announcing a new joint initiative to strengthen the UK’s Jewish community’s commitment to the advancement and protection of human rights.
The initiative, from René Cassin – ‘the Jewish voice for human rights’ – and the Anglo-Jewish Association, which seeks to support initiatives and activities across the UK Jewish community, will aim to:
Spearhead the UK’s Jewish community’s voice on human rightsRemake the case for human rights in the UKEmpower future Jewish human rights advocatesEmphasise that human rights developed as a response to the HolocaustInternational Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations adopting, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings. The Declaration’s preamble notes that “… disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind …”, a reference to Nazi atrocities in the Second World War. The Declaration was co-authored by the French-Jewish lawyer, Monsieur René Cassin, from whom the UK charity takes its name.
Mia Hasenson-Gross, Executive Director of René Cassin says:
“With the rise of antisemitism and human rights challenges that have a strong resonance with Jews – such as the genocide of Uyghur Muslims in China, war crimes in Ukraine, and the vilification of migrants in the UK – there is a real and pressing need for a clear and powerful Jewish voice on human rights. René Cassin and the Anglo-Jewish Association share a commitment to advancing human rights and aspirations for a socially engaged Jewish community. This timely new initiative plays to the strengths of both organisations – combined, our effectiveness will be greater than the sum of our parts.”
Michael Newman, President of the Anglo-Jewish Association says:
“The Anglo-Jewish Association is delighted to become a strategic partner to René Cassin and to support the charity in remaking the case for human rights. As a founding member of the Consultative Council of Jewish Organisations, to which René Cassin is affiliated, it is our firm belief that collaborating with René Cassin will help establish it as the leading voice in the Jewish community addressing and advancing pressing and critical human rights issues. We look forward to working closely with them.”
For further information and comment, contact:
Mia Hasenson-Gross, [email protected], 07939 130286Michael Newman, [email protected], 07956 312294ENDS
Notes for editors
René Cassin – the Jewish voice for human rights – works to promote and protect universal human rights, drawing on Jewish experience and values. It is named after Nobel Laureate, Monsieur René Cassin, the French-Jewish author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.The Anglo-Jewish Association 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 Consultative Council of Jewish Organizations (CCJO) was set up by Monsieur René Cassin in 1946 to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It has become a conduit for dialogue with inter-governmental organisations like the United Nations and the Council of Europe.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948.
