D-Day hero Mervyn Kersh urges community to attend AJEX 2025 parade
'Every Jew who possibly can be in Whitehall, should be in Whitehall' on Sunday 16 November
One of the last living Jewish D-Day veterans is urging the community to take part in the annual AJEX Remembrance Parade and Ceremony at the Cenotaph on Sunday 16 November.
Mervyn Kersh, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, is calling on everyone to step forward in solidarity and ensure that the legacy of Jewish Service continues to inspire future generations.
2025 has marked a year of significant anniversaries – the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Against this backdrop, AJEX is urging first-time marchers, schools, youth groups and families to take part with a special request this year for each person to bring eight new people to reflect the 80th anniversary and help ensure Remembrance is carried forward.
Speaking to Jewish News, D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh said: “History has proved repeatedly that a bully will never attack someone he thinks is strong. That applies to countries, as well as individuals.
“During my time in the Army, I was not physically attacked once by any of my comrades, whereas many Jewish lads were attacked simply for being Jewish. The simple reason is that I had learned to defend myself (boxing and wrestling) from when I was nine, taught by the JL(G)B. I also made it known that I was the schoolboy boxing champion of Devon and Cornwall! Post war, it was AJEX that stood for Jewish self-respect and therefore self-defence.
“It was AJEX which stood up against the various antisemitic groups which appeared in the UK even after the War. And it was AJEX which put paid to Mosley’s British Union of Fascists as they came out of the Kensington Town Hall, never to rally again.”
He adds that the AJEX annual Jewish March “reminds our enemies who we are. By boldly and proudly marching in large numbers and watching in large numbers, we also show our enemies what we are. Every Jew who possibly can be in Whitehall, should be in Whitehall. That way we shall remain safe.”
This year’s Parade will be reviewed by Brigadier Melissa Emmett, with Jon Tyler and Lt Col Adam Schindler MBE serving as Parade Commanders.
AJEX chief executive, Fiona Palmer said: “The AJEX Parade is one of the most important public moments for our community each year. It reminds us and the country around us of the immense contribution and sacrifice made by British Jews in the Armed Forces. At a time of growing challenges, it has never been more important for our community to stand together, march together and carry forward the memory of those who fought for freedom.”
- The deadline for booking to march is Monday 4th November. Click here to book.
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