AJEX announces new national chair

The newly elected national chair of AJEX has described the importance of British Jews “continuing to show our loyalty to crown and country”, during what have been “difficult times” for the community.

Jon Tyler, a former reserve SAS captain, succeeds Dan Fox, who stepped down from the role after four years in charge. Tyler’s family have history within AJEX; his father, Lieutenant Commander Alan Tyler, was a career Royal Navy officer who served from 1941 to 1966 and later acted as Parade Commander for AJEX Remembrance parades. Jon began attending these in 2000 and was appointed Parade Commander himself in 2024.

Commenting on his honour at taking up the national chair appointment, he said: “These are difficult times for the Jewish community in the UK and it is important we continue to show our loyalty to the Crown and country and how Jews have always stood up to be counted when the country needs them.

“I look forward to help to continue and build on the work of AJEX, in particular, remembrance of and strengthening the Jewish contribution to the military and the combating of antisemitism through education.”

AJEX chief executive Fiona Palmer added that the organisation “looks forward to Jon Tyler’s leadership” building on “past successes and continuing to go from strength to strength.”

Tyler spent 15 years serving with the Reserve SAS, progressing through the ranks to sergeant and troop commander before being commissioned at Sandhurst and later serving as a captain in the Regiment. He trained extensively in Special Forces disciplines, including medical skills, weapons, demolitions, signals, parachuting, and was involved in many overseas activities across Europe and the USA.

Alongside Lt Col Adam Shindler, he commanded the November 2025 AJEX annual remembrance parade and ceremony, where more than 2,500 people marched down Whitehall to the Cenotaph to honour Jewish veterans and all those who have served in the armed forces.