FAQs

What is René Cassin?

Founded in 2000, René Cassin is a Human Rights NGO that uses historical Jewish experiences and positive Jewish values to educate and campaign on universal human rights issues. The organisation is named in honour of the Jewish Noble Peace Prize-winning lawyer, René Cassin, who helped draft the UN Declaration of Human Rights in the aftermath of World War II.

Why Human Rights from a Jewish perspective?

René Cassin believes there is great value in bringing a Jewish perspective on Human Rights to the global debate. An approach based on the Jewish experience, coupled with the Jewish belief in a duty towards Social Action provides René Cassin with its core motivations.

René Cassin believes that cultivating and facilitating a mindset of activism, provides the Jewish community with an outlet through which to demonstrate their natural willingness to engage in Human Rights issues of universal significance.

What is René Cassin’s policy on Israel?

René Cassin focuses on issues concerning Human Rights. Any disregard for, or breach of, Human Rights is a concern, regardless of where the offence occurs, or who the offence is committed by. As such, René Cassin does not have a ‘policy on Israel’ or on any other country. That said, we do run occasional balanced, informative events looking at human rights issues in the Middle East. See our events page for upcoming events.

Who funds René Cassin?

The vast majority of funding is provided by Charitable Trusts and individual donations. Individual campaigns often rely on a series of donors. Our office space at the Jewish Social Action Hub is part-funded by the Pears Foundation. Click here if you would like to donate to René Cassin.

Do I have to be Jewish to get involved?

No. Our supporters are from a wide variety of backgrounds. All we ask is that individuals understand the Jewish perspective on human rights.

What is the CCJO?

The Consultative Council of Jewish Organisations, René Cassin’s parent body, was founded by René Cassin in 1946. The CCJO facilitates René Cassin’s access to Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs), such as the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

What is René Cassin’s religious involvement/affiliation?

Whilst René Cassin draws on Jewish values as a basis for our work, we are not affiliated to any ‘branch’ of Judaism. Our work is cross-communal, our events are kosher, and we do not work on Shabbat or Jewish festivals.

How can I get involved?

René Cassin could not function without our volunteers. If you think you or someone you know may be interested in getting involved, please call us on +44 (0)20 7443 5131.  We will arrange an appointment to discuss how to most appropriately utilise your skills and experience in our work. 

We also run a variety of tailored educational initiatives that you may be eligible to join, including our Activist Enrichment Programme.

Should you wish to remain up to date with our campaigns, please join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.  We also host regular events and would love for you to attend.

Last, but certainly not least, you can also support us by clicking here and making a donation.