6 November 2019

Liberal Judaism is joining with all sections of Anglo-Jewry to support the Association of Jewish Refugees’ (AJR) ‘Leave a Light On’ initiative.

In order to commemorate the anniversary of Kristallnacht, we are asking you to keep one light on in your homes and community buildings on the night of Saturday 9 November.

The ‘Leave a Light On’ initiative began last year, to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, and now looks to become an annual event.

AJR trustee Gaby Glassman said: “On 9 November 1938 our synagogues were set alight by the Nazis. They destroyed hundreds of shuls and thousands of Jewish businesses. Last year, we chose to illuminate our communities and homes to remember what happened 80 years ago.

“I would like to encourage this initiative each year to ensure that the Kristallnacht event in 1938 will never be forgotten. Given the current climate of antisemitism and the recent attack on a synagogue in Halle, on Yom Kippur, it is vital that we do not stand by but raise awareness early on.”

AJR chief executive Michael Newman added: “We place great effort on ensuring that key dates in the Jewish calendar, like the anniversary of the Kristallnacht, are remembered and that future generations are informed about the atrocities committed in the hope that they will never happen again.

“We believe the AJR is in a unique position to further create awareness through remembrance in the Jewish community, while encouraging support from non-Jewish organisations that would like to stand together with us on the night.”