The history of Jewish Blind & Disabled

It is over 50 years since Cecil Rosen first started to realise his dream that neither physical disability nor impaired vision should be allowed to interfere with an individual’s right to an independent lifestyle. Today we continue to fulfil this dream as we look forward to the opening of our eighth development of state-of-the-art mobility apartments.

1969

Jewish Blind & Physically Handicapped Society was formed by Cecil Rosen

1972

Exterior of Cavendish House . JBD pilot project.

Opening of pilot project, Cavendish House, in Dulwich offering 20 flats at a cost of only £100,000

1987

Cecil Rosen & Margaret Thatcher opening Fairacres

Fairacres, in Finchley, opened by Margaret Thatcher and Cecil Rosen, with 32 flats

1990

Cherry Tree Court opened in Kingsbury with 40 flats

1993

Our founder, Cecil Rosen, passed away prior to the opening of Cecil Rosen Court in Wembley and John Joseph MBE became Chairman and Malcolm Ozin MBE became the organisation’s President

1994

The original Cecil Rosen Court was opened in Wembley with 29 flats by HRH Duchess of Gloucester. Due to a decline in demand for this area, this building was subsequently sold in 2010 with remaining tenants being relocated to our other buildings.

1995

Chief Rabbi Sacks meeting tenant at the opening of Milne Court

Milne Court opened in South Woodford with 57 flats

1997

Hilary Dennis Court opened in Wanstead with 35 flats

2001

Aztec House opened in Redbridge with 42 flats

2003

Frances & Dick James Court opened in Mill Hill offering 42 flats including a number of two bedroom apartments to accommodate couples or parents and children.

2004

Jewish Blind & Disabled rebranded

2008

Young JBD established to welcome young professional supporters to the charity

2014

Opening of Cecil Rosen Court by HRH Duchess of Gloucester in Bushey Heath offering 41 mobility apartments

2019

The Dyna & Fala Weinstock Wing of Cecil Rosen Court opens with 19 one and two-bedroom apartments in Bushey Heath