Institute of Jewish Affairs

The Institute of Jewish Affairs ( IJA) was established in February 1941, under the leadership of Jacob Robinson (director, 1941—1947) to study the political, legal, and economic position of world Jewry between 1916 and 1941 and then to formulate a post-war policy which would safeguard Jewish rights internationally. After World War II, the IJA continued to study the Jewish situation and to suggest policy under its second and third directors, Nehemiah Robinson (1947—1964) and Oscar Karbach (1964—1973).

Important areas of investigation for the IJA included anti-Semitic legislation and activities, punishment of war crimes, and restitution for victims of the Holocaust. The IJA researched and published on subjects relating to Jewish life, including problems not entirely Jewish, but related to Jewish problems such as minorities, migration, and human rights. In cooperation with the WJC's Political Department, the IJA (and especially the WJC's Office of Indemnification, headed by Nehemiah Robinson from 1946 to about 1950) produced reports for submission to the United Nations and other bodies.