Marquess of Salisbury becomes honorary patron of AJEX
'Jews have made outstanding contributions in virtually every sphere. This country would have been unimaginably poorer without them' says former Conservative MP
The Marquess of Salisbury has accepted the role of honorary patron of AJEX in a powerful show of support for the Jewish community at a time of rising antisemitism in the UK.
The prominent Conservative peer and former Cabinet minister joins The Jewish Military Association in recognition of the immense contribution Jewish servicemen and women have made to Britain’s armed forces and national life.
Speaking of the appointment, Robert Michael James Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury, said it was important “particularly in view of the gallant and distinguished military service to the Crown performed by Jewish members of the British armed forces”.
“I think it is also important to remember that Jews have not only been outstandingly loyal in the UK military but have integrated brilliantly into our national life. They have made outstanding contributions in virtually every sphere. This country would have been unimaginably poorer without them.”
Reflecting on the challenges currently facing the Jewish community, Lord Salisbury added: “I am horrified by the recent surge in antisemitism in this country and accepting your kind invitation is one way of demonstrating my support for my Jewish fellow citizens.”
Welcoming the appointment, Fiona Palmer, chief executive of AJEX, said: “At a time when the Jewish community is facing such a significant rise in antisemitism, his unequivocal support and recognition of our place within the fabric of British life is deeply appreciated. His understanding of the contribution made by Jewish servicemen and women throughout our nation’s history, together with his willingness to stand alongside our community today, makes his support especially meaningful”.
From 1979 to 1987, Lord Salisbury represented South Dorset in the House of Commons, and in the 1990s he was Leader of the House of Lords under his courtesy title of Viscount Cranborne. He lives in one of England’s largest historic houses, the 17th-century Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, and formerly served as Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire.
He retired from the House of Lords on 8 June 2017 and was appointed a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter on 27 February 2019.
AJEX hopes to welcome Lord Salisbury to this year’s AJEX Remembrance Parade in London on 15 November 2026 at The Cenotaph.
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