in detail
In 1978 the “Spiro Institute for the Study of Jewish History and Culture“ was founded by Robin Spiro as an educational institute. The aim of the research centre is to adapt Jewish contemporary history for school classes and to train teachers in the field of Holocaust education.
Since no independent Jewish cultural institute exist in Great Britain that is not limited to a specific art focus, at the end of the nineties the idea developed to integrate the Spiro Institute into a new Jewish cultural centre.
In 2000 the “London Jewish Cultural Centre“ (LJCC) was founded. Headed by Trudy Gold, the LJCC has extended the focus of its work to include social and cultural activities and created an extensive lecture programme. In addition to the clubs and associations that meet regularly in the rooms of the LJCC, the Centre has also established contact to official state and private, Jewish and non –Jewish organisations.
As part of its “Holocaust Survivor Programme“ the Holocaust Centre at LJCC organises “talks with survivors” at schools. It has also developed an education programme that provides information on the history of National Socialism.
Due to the success of the institute’s work in developing a Holocaust education program, the LJCC, as successor to the Spiro Institute, will participate in creating the “Holocaust Memorial Day Education Packs“ for the first official Holocaust Memorial Day in Great Britain.