Based on the earlier 43 Group, it was formed in 1962 largely in response to the resurgence of fascism in Britain at the time, and particularly Colin Jordan's National Socialist Movement (NSM).
[7][6] Formal membership was only open to those who were Jewish, but the Group worked with people from other anti-fascist organisations and immigrant communities, including Irish and Black-power activists.
It was managed day-to-day by hardman Paul Nathan who was "the toughest Jew around in those days, unlike the soft ones walking around today".
On one occasion in July 1962 this led to a riot in London's Trafalgar Square, when Colin Jordan tried to address a crowd while standing in front of a large banner which read: "Free Britain from Jewish Control".
Two veterans of the 62 Group stated that they had encountered former members of the Schutzstaffel (SS) at a meeting held by the neo-Nazi Northern League in Brighton.