AJR information in the context of exile journal publication, 1933-1945

Abstract

This essay argues that the origins of AJRI are illuminated by an awareness of the exile press in general, and of the debate regarding the ‘role’ of the emigrants in a Europe rid of fascism. This crucial discussion dominated the pages of many journals, and in particular those published in Britain and the USA. I distinguish the stance adopted by members of the AJR and by Jewish exiles in general from that favoured by other exiles. They insisted upon the special situation of the Jews, whose ‘German’ identity was not in doubt, but for whom there could be ‘no return to Germany’. It is in this uncompromising stance that the origins of the AJR’s continuing commitment to Great Britain are to be found.