Mensch of the Month – Lilian Levy: ‘I wanted to give something back to the people who had helped me’ - The Jewish Chronicle

A survivor of Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen Nazi camps, Lilian Levy began volunteering at World Jewish Relief in 1994. For over two decades, she managed their archives, helping thousands of families reconnect with their histories.

Now living in northwest London, Lilian is an active member of Belsize Square Synagogue.

In 2017, she became a volunteer at the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR), contributing to the production of more than 100 issues of its monthly publication.

At a farewell tea to mark her retirement aged 86, Michael Newman OBE, chief executive of the AJR, described Lilian as “an extraordinary individual, whose quiet dedication has left a lasting impact on the AJR and its journal.

"Working closely with our editor, Jo Briggs, she brought her meticulous attention to detail, her sharp intellect and her unfailing warmth to every page of the journal. Whether proofreading, managing letters and event listings, or simply offering her wise counsel, Lilian’s contribution was invaluable.”

Jo said: “Her eagle eyes missed nothing… I wish her a long, happy, and tech-free retirement.”

Lilian Levy (second from right) with Micheal Newman, CEO of AJR (right) Jo Briggs (second from left) editor of the AJR Journal, and Lilian's children at her leaving party (Photo: AJR)[Missing Credit]

Why did you decide to help families by volunteering with World Jewish Relief?

I myself was helped by WJR, so I felt that I should ‘give something back’. It was work I believed in, it was very rewarding, and I enjoyed it greatly. I felt a very close affinity with the archives, and I supported a lot of people in their endeavour to find out more about the fate of their families; people learnt things about their parents and grandparents that they hadn’t known before.

What motivated you to turn your deeply upsetting past in Belsen into a desire to help others?

I felt very personally involved, and it seemed to me that volunteering for World Jewish Relief and AJR was a good way to help other people of similar backgrounds. In the postwar years, the work involved family reunification, whereas now, the enquiries come mostly from survivors’ descendants wishing to know more about their antecedents.

How would you go about bringing more awareness about the experiences of Jewish refugees?

Through teaching the subject of the Holocaust in schools. However, much of this teaching can be erratic, sporadic and a question of luck. I’ve done guiding at Holocaust exhibitions, and my husband used to be a guide for the Anne Frank Trust; the Holocaust should be made a proper subject of historical study and not merely tagged on at the end of one school term.

What message would you want the younger generation to hear regarding the importance of helping new immigrants who are struggling?

Be tolerant and kind - and do what you can to help.

Were there any memories which stand out during your time as a volunteer?

Just being involved really was very satisfying.

Were there any people in your life who influenced your dedication to volunteering?

No. I had spare time and felt I should spend it more productively. I worked part time as well as being a volunteer. I feel like everyone should work as a volunteer at some point.

Were there any challenges while volunteering?

No. I was happy to do it, and people were excessively grateful for it. It was touching.

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Mensch of the Month

AJR

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