Celebrating 60 Years!
At the end of June, staff, Board members, volunteers, friends of the Association and community partners came together for a wonderful drinks reception.
The evening was honoured by the presence of the Chief Rabbi, who addressed guests at the event. Also speaking were Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation; Eric Shapiro, Honorary Life President of jLiving; Adam Gamsu, jLiving Chair; and Jane Goodman, jLiving CEO.
Jane said: “The 60th anniversary provides an important opportunity to reflect on a proud and purposeful history. For six decades, jLiving has remained one of the largest housing associations in the UK serving primarily the Jewish community, delivering homes that offer security, dignity, and a strong sense of belonging. From its earliest days to the present, jLiving’s mission has been clear: to respond to the housing needs of the
community with care, responsibility, and foresight. While much has changed over sixty years, this commitment has remained constant.”
Adam added: “We are delighted to have you together with us celebrating this important milestone in jLiving’s history. jLiving never asks anyone for anything. It is an organisation that has served the community for six decades and is entirely self-sufficient. It is now time for jLiving and housing to be at the forefront of community conversations. If jLiving has achieved so much independently then how much more is possible with cross communal involvement.
The Jewish community is not immune to the impact of the national housing crisis. We are facing a situation where current and future generations are simply unable to afford to buy homes. jLiving is working on ways to be able to address this massive issue within the community. We plan on establishing a rent-to-buy mechanism that will enable young people to rent homes at lower rents in order to save a deposit. At the end of a fixed term the tenant would be able to leave with a lump sum of money that has been saved for them to use as a deposit on a home purchase.”
The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, commented: “Ultimately, our future relies on what transpires within our homes. Unless people have a place of dignity, a place of warmth, a place they can call home with pride they will not have the confidence to give a contribution of value to their community and to their society.
Thanks to jLiving for helping thousands of people over the past 60 years. This event is not just a celebration for jLiving but a celebration of all UK Jewry. We thank you for all you have done and the good reputation you have given to our community and within British society as a whole. Thank you for 60 marvellous years of support, thank you for being an outstanding example to us all and to all of British society, thank you for making all of us proud.”
Kate said: “What you do is really important and your unique identity offering homes and support primarily to the Jewish community is a very special thing and we are very grateful to you for it. Sixty years is also an impressive milestone, we have had huge changes in society, and not only have you survived you have grown and strengthened you are building and innovating and looking to the future.”
The reception provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen relationships and look ahead to the future together.