The Jewish History Association of Wales: From South Wales to Nationwide

Hidden Treasures member, the Jewish History Association of South Wales, is turning eight years old this year, changing its name and growing in its scope. In this update, Laura Henley Harrison, project manager for JHAW tells us what this means for Jewish heritage across Wales.

It is with a sense of renewed purpose and pride we announce a transformative moment in our organisation’s journey: the Jewish History Association of South Wales has become the Jewish History Association of Wales. This is far more than a change of name – it signals the widening of our scope to embrace the full diversity of Jewish life throughout Wales.

Since our establishment in 2017, the Jewish History Association of South Wales (JHASW) has worked tirelessly to record, celebrate, and preserve the rich heritage of Jewish communities across South Wales. Our achievements in archiving personal histories and bringing Jewish stories to life have been substantial – but we had always hoped to expand our scope to build a fuller picture of Jewish life across the whole country.

The decision taken to become the Jewish History Association of Wales (JHAW) in 2025 showcases a commitment to inclusivity and recognition, ensuring that every Jewish voice – from Newport and Pembroke in the south to Holyhead and Wrexham in the north – has a place in our story. With this new identity, we reaffirm that Jewish history and heritage in Wales is a living, evolving tapestry.

Overcoming Mountains

For centuries, the mountains and valleys of Wales have shaped both its physical landscape and its communities. They have also created a significant barrier in the past to Jewish communities connecting across the country. Smaller groups in the north developed relationships with larger communities in cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, rather than those in Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli and the Welsh Valleys. It was also difficult for Jewish individuals living in mid- and west Wales to connect with congregations further afield. As part of our ongoing work, we hope to begin building a clearer picture of those who lived and worked in mid-Wales, from Aberystwyth to Welshpool, and to join these stories together to give a unique overview of Welsh-Jewish history.

Historically, Jewish communities in north and south Wales have developed in distinct ways, shaped by the industries, migration patterns, and cultures of their locales. Cardiff and Swansea, with their bustling ports and vibrant mercantile networks, have long been centres of Jewish life. North Wales, by contrast, has seen smaller communities flourish in what became holiday destinations and then safe havens for wartime refugees along the picturesque hills and coasts.

Our newly developed links with North Wales represent one of the most exciting aspects of this transformation. Collaborations with academic institutions, museums and archives ensure that these stories are now being woven into the national narrative, enriching our collective understanding. We are committed to recording experiences that reflect the full diversity of Welsh Jewish history.

Trustees with Vision – Expanding Expertise

This expansion would not be possible without the passionate stewardship of our trustees. Our board now includes individuals from across Wales, each bringing a wealth of experience in education, media relations, and community engagement. Their backgrounds are as varied as the communities they serve, but all share a profound commitment to nurturing connections and inspiring discovery.

With trustees who have spent years in classrooms, newsrooms and universities, JHAW is uniquely positioned to develop innovative projects and engage with audiences old and new. Their expertise ensures that our research and outreach are robust, inclusive, and forward-thinking; our events and exhibitions are both informative and accessible; and our communications are clear, compelling, and far-reaching.

You can read more about our Board of Trustees in our Summer 2025 Newsletter available on our website: www.jhasw.com.

Upcoming Projects

The change in name marks the beginning of a wave of new and ambitious projects, each designed to shine a light on the Jewish experience across Wales. Here are just a few highlights:

Preserving and Sharing the Jewish History of Llandudno: In September 2025, we launched a two-year project to uncover the history of Jewish families in Llandudno and Conwy. We will be working with local institutions and private collections to digitise previously unseen archives, making them freely available to the public. Our discoveries will be showcased in open days and exhibitions to be held in Llandudno Museum and Conwy Archives during the summers of 2026 and 2027. This project has been kindly funded by the Rothschild Foundation and the Mark Fitch Fund.
Oral History Initiative: We are launching a national campaign to record the testimonies of Jewish residents, past and present, from every corner of Wales. Their stories will form the backbone of a living archive accessible to all.
Heritage Trails: Visitors and locals alike will soon be able to follow curated walking trails exploring Jewish heritage sites in towns such as Abergele and Colwyn Bay. These will join the trails around Cardiff and Swansea, which are already live on our website.
Remembering local figures: We have been working with local authorities to erect information boards to ensure the memory of influential Jewish residents in north Wales is remembered.
Encouraging scholarship: Thanks to some generous bequests received from Welsh-Jewish families, the JHAW will be funding postgraduate studentships. Our first scholarship examining the Jewish medical heritage of Wales began in September 2025, sponsored by the Goodwin Family Trust and being undertaken at Bangor University.

Looking Forward: Join Us

As the Jewish History Association of Wales, our mission is clear: to record, preserve, and share the history and heritage of Welsh Jews, wherever their stories are found. This work depends on the involvement and enthusiasm of volunteers, researchers, storytellers, and supporters.

We encourage you to get involved – contribute your stories, volunteer your time, attend our events, and help us build an archive that will exist for future generations.

If you have information to contribute to any of our upcoming projects, please get in touch: laura.henley.harrison@jhawales.org.uk

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