Few people could fail to have been moved by last Sunday’s National Remembrance Parade and the many TV programmes and events in recent days to honour the service and sacrifice of so many in the First World War and other conflicts.
In the First World War over 50,000 Jews served in the British Military many of whom had only recently arrived in Britain. Five were awarded VCs and numerous others received awards for bravery. Sadly though over 3,000 British Jews died in the conflict.
In the Second World War over 65,000 Jews served with three being awarded VCs, a further three George Crosses and others received other honours.
Since the end of WW2 Jews have served in the British Military in every conflict, from Korea, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia, to Iraq and Afghanistan.
This coming weekend we all have the opportunity to recognise the contribution and sacrifice Jews have made in the British military serving the Crown since the 1650s at shul services this Shabbat and the AJEX Remembrance Parade on Sunday at the Cenotaph at 2.30 pm and we hope as many people as possible will do both.
As the community shows its support for Mitzvah Day, we should all remember that one of the biggest mitzvahs we can do is to remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in the British Military.
The parade is a special honour for the Jewish community as it is the only other Remembrance Parade for which Whitehall is closed and with fewer and fewer surviving veteran it is essential that we do our best to ensure that it is well supported.
If you have relatives who served you are welcome to march in the parade, wearing their medals on the right if they are available. To participate in the parade please head to Horse Guards Parade for 1.30pm. If you would like to be a spectator please come along and line Whitehall. Spectators should arrive by 2.00pm.
At a time when our community is under assault from so many anti-Semites this weekend provides us with a tremendous opportunity to stand together while showing our appreciation for the sacrifices of those who served in the British Military. So please do join us to show your support both for those that gave their all and for those who serve today, Jews and non Jews alike.
From 11.00 am on Sunday AJEX are also running a family education drop in event in Northumberland Avenue (by Trafalgar Square). There will be short talks, creative tasks and music from the period. Pre-booking is essential. To reserve a place please contact paula.kitching@ajex.org.uk
Major D M Yank
Director of Operations & Development
AJEX – The Jewish Military Association UK
