Jewish veterans postpone trip to Bergen-Belsen due to virus fears

Jewish veterans have postponed a trip to the site of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading.

Some 100 people were set to attend the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women (AJEX) trip to the site of the Nazi camp next month to mark 75 years since its liberation.

A spokesperson for AJEX said on Thursday: “The well-being and health of our members and colleagues must always be of paramount importance.

“We have not taken this decision lightly, but having taken advice on the increasing threat posed by the covid-19 virus and the impact that this could have on our members, many of whom are elderly and suffering from health conditions that would put them at high risk, we feel it is the only course of action.

“We hope to find a new date to hold a commemoration event once the situation has improved, and in the meantime are contacting all of the trip delegates to advise them of the situation.”

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has risen to 90, with several events pushed back due to the outbreak.

An upcoming conference on antisemitism at Stamford Bridge hosted by Chelsea Football Club with the Jerusalem Post was recently postponed, as was England’s match against Italy next week.

A host of cultural attractions have temporarily closed around the world as the virus continues to spread.