AJEX marks 20 year anniversary of national Jewish military memorial in Staffordshire

Two decades of the AJEX Jewish Military Memorial in Staffordshire was commemorated last Friday with around 120 veterans, serving personnel, cadets and community leaders showing their support.

The event at the National Memorial Arboretum took place during National Armed Forces Week and celebrated the monument’s two decades as the national focal point for Jewish military remembrance.

The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Sir Andy Kyte, one of the UK’s most senior serving military officers, who laid the main wreath in memory of all those who have served in HM Armed Forces.

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE gave a reading of a poem written by 101 year old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, and Rabbi Walker of Heaton Park Synagogue led the memorial prayer before being presented with an honorary lifetime membership of AJEX in recognition of his bravery and leadership.

Rabbi Amir Ellituv, senior rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community, and Rabbi Nir Nadav, senior Jewish chaplain to HM Armed Forces, also recited prayers during the service, with cadets from the JFS and JCoSS Combined Cadet Force laying a wreath and poppy posies at the memorial.

Wreaths were laid in memory of all those who have served in HM Armed Forces; all Jewish men and women who have served; the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme; the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, and to mark 25 years since the start of operations in Afghanistan.

AJEX lifetime achievement awards were given to Alan Levy, recognised for his decades of service through CST and unwavering support of AJEX and the Jewish community; Rebecca Roebuck for her outstanding leadership in developing the JFS and JCoSS Combined Cadet Force and inspiring the next generation of cadets; and Mike Colton, founder of the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove, honoured for his longstanding contribution to remembrance.

AJEX national chair Jon Tyler said: “Twenty years ago, AJEX established this memorial as a permanent place of remembrance for Jewish men and women who served our country. Two decades later, it remains a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice and community.

“Seeing veterans, serving personnel, Holocaust survivors, community leaders, cadets and students gathered, together today was a powerful reminder that remembrance continues to connect generations. As we mark 20 years of this memorial, we remain committed to ensuring that Jewish veterans’ stories, service and commitment are never forgotten.”

Fiona Palmer, chief executive of AJEX, added: “Our determination to hold the ceremony despite the high temperatures and the resolve of all those who managed to join us, delivered a very special event. Hearing Vice Admiral Sir Andy Kyte’s words was uplifting highlighting the support our community have from wider society.

“Then listening to Rabbi Walker speaking about the heroes in his community and their actions in the face of danger and hate also gave hope in the difficult times we are facing.”

More than 120,000 Jews have served in the British Armed Forces during the World Wars.