Today we lost one of “The Boys.”
Harry Spiro was not only a founder of the 45 Aid Society, he was a true gentleman, a mensch in every sense of the word.
Harry devoted his life to family, friendship, kindness and remembrance. After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust, he helped build a community rooted in compassion, support and dignity for others. His warmth, wisdom and quiet strength touched so many lives.
He carried his past with grace, and helped ensure that the legacy of “The Boys” would never be forgotten.
We will miss his smile, his humanity and his unwavering decency.
Our love and deepest condolences go to all his family.
May his memory always be a blessing. 🕯️
45 Aid Society | Highlights Film 2026 | Marriott Grosvenor Sq
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Some reunions are more than just a gathering — they’re a celebration of history, friendship, memories, and the people who helped shape a community.
The 45 Aid Society Reunion 2026 brought generations together for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, stories, music, and moments that will be treasured for years to come. Honoured to capture the emotion, energy, and connection that made this event so special.
Here’s a glimpse into a night where old friends reunited, new memories were made, and traditions proudly continued. ✨
#45AidSociety #45AidSocietyReunion #Reunion2026 #EventHighlights #Community
One of our 3rd Generation, Grandson of Moshe Malenicky @robrinder speaking at our Reunion Event about the work of the 45 Aid Society #CelebrateTheBoys #45aid
Video Credit - Robert Campbell
The 45 Aid Society Reunion 2026. Every year we come together to celebrate and remember so many of the Boys with their families 2nd, 3rd & 4th Generations. Video Credit - Robert Campbell
#CelebrateTheBoys #45Aid
You may have heard of The Windermere Children, or "The Boys". After the end of the Second World War, the British government offered asylum to 1,000 child survivors of the Holocaust. But only 732 (mostly boys) could be found, and given a new start in Windermere in the Lake District (or "Wondermere" as some called it).
Less well known is the institution they called a second home in London - the Primrose Club, opened in 1946 on Belsize Park, a few minutes from "Finchleystrasse" – before it relocated to Finchley Road itself.
Sir Ben Helfgott, the concentration camp survivor who a decade after liberation captained the British weightlifting team at the Olympics, said Primrose Club leader Yogi Mayer "constantly extended the scope... and introduced wide-ranging activities that enriched all our lives".
After the Primrose came the @45aid Society. Established in 1963, it still meets for an annual reunion. It was a joy to be at this year's dinner and to hear a profound conversation between two fellow members of the "third generation", @robrinder and @realmattlucas . Both have recently been targeted for harassment in the street because they are Jewish.
But Lucas said: "I do innately believe, however, in the goodness of the people of this country. I really do."
Rinder, whose grandfather, Moishe Malenicky, was one of "The Boys" added: "It seems to me that the work of the '45 Aid, of the stories of the survivors, of our families and our parents, has a unique capacity to bring in those people that we need. To use a phrase now more than ever – to raise their voices in solidarity with us."
#Finchleystrasse #45aidsociety #45aid
Today is Yom HaShoah, a day in the Jewish Calendar where Jews around the world commemorate and remember those lost in the Holocaust as well as the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. We remember the families of our Boys lost in the Holocaust and endeavour to preserve their memory.
Today we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
We honour the survivors, we carry their stories, and we commit to remembrance — not just today, but always.
Their voices are our responsibility.
Their memories are our legacy.
🕯️ Never forget.
#holocaustmemorialday2026 #theboys #neverforget
It is with deep sadness that we share the devastating news that our beloved Harry Olmer, one of our wonderful Boys, has passed away.
Harry was an integral part of the ‘45 Aid family and he took part in everything with such passion and devotion right up till the end. He attended every reunion dinner, took part in every March of the Living and gave numerous talks about his experiences during the Holocaust at organisations across the UK. He will be sorely missed.
Wishing his whole family long life. May his memory always be a blessing.
A school built on the very ground where hundreds of young Holocaust survivors rebuilt their lives has marked its 60th anniversary.
This week, The Lakes School honoured its history with an evening of tributes, music and reflection led by Rob Rinder MBE, whose grandfather was one of the Windermere Children.
The legacy of those 300 boys and girls continues to inspire us today. ✨
#45AidSociety #WindermereChildren
#neverforget❤️#theboys #45aidsociety #windermerechildren here is a link to the article:/rob-rinder-hosts-60th-anniversary-celebration-at-site-of-windermere-children/
Eighty years ago, 732 child survivors of the Holocaust arrived in Britain. Three hundred came to Windermere, my grandfather Morris was among them. After the camps, this place was ‘heaven after hell.’ Local teachers, nurses and neighbours helped them heal with warmth, laughter and love. Kindness was their medicine. Last night with my mum Angie and the remarkable Arek Hirsch (one of those child survivors) we stood on that same ground, now home to the Lake School, celebrating its 60th anniversary. Windermere and the Lake School that grew from it, are Britain at its best; a place where compassion triumphed over cruelty and decency over despair. A school and a community built on the same soil where hope was rebuilt. The light they found here never went out. @45aid
