Papers of the Women's Campaign for Soviet Jewry

Files of biographical information and case papers for refusniks; campaign correspondence, including letters to Members of Parliament; master copies of publications produced by the Campaign; newspapers; photographs, banners and other items, including handcuffs, from demonstrations; 1970-93.

The Women's Campaign for Soviet Jewry was a pressure group seeking to assist Jews in Russia wishing to leave the country but refused permission. The group was established in 1971: many of its members were middle-class, Jewish housewives from North West London and it became known, affectionately, as the 35s. It was in direct contact with refusniks to give them moral support, but also organised demonstrations on their behalf and worked tirelessly to highlight their position. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Campaign's focus has shifted to welfare. (D. Gerlis THOSE WONDERFUL WOMEN IN BLACK: THE STORY OF THE WOMEN'S CAMPAIGN FOR SOVIET JEWRY (London, 1996).)

UNDER ARRANGEMENT

Compiled by Gwennyth Anderson

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