Thousands help AJEX raise £165K to support Jewish veterans

More than £165,000 was raised in aid of a charity supporting Jewish military veterans.

The Association of Jewish ex Servicemen and Women (AJEX) held its first ever online fundraiser on Sunday, with donations doubled by generous donors.

The 36-hour drive for donations aims to ensure the charity can continue educating young people about the duty of British Jews in the armed forces, while providing elderly veterans with care, and fighting modern-day antisemitism.

The event concluded with an online discussion attended by thousands, between The Times’ Hugo Rifkind and JLGB Virtual’s Cidney Miller. The well-known writer discussed his childhood memories of being in the Cadet Force, and his grandfathers’ service in the army during the Second World War.

Mike Bluestone, AJEX National Chairman, said: “AJEX was founded almost 100 years ago in response to ignorance and hatred, we are proud to combat antisemitism and show the Jewish role in modern Britain. We are proud to remember our heritage of military service, to be able to share the history of Jewish servicemen and women and to support those who rely on our help from the veteran community”.

Fiona Palmer, Chief Executive added: “We are so grateful to everyone who donated – each one of you have made a difference to ensure we can carry on our education programmes in schools, continue to help combat antisemitism and for us to continue to support veterans and their families who depend on our help. We look forward to the AJEX Annual Parade & Ceremony at the Cenotaph in November and hope, Covid allowing, the community can join in person to remember the many Jewish people who served and thank those that continue to serve today”.

• Donations can still be made online, and the discussion with Hugo Rifkind can also be viewed post-event, here: www.charityextra.com/ajex