Thousands mark 80 years since end of WWII at AJEX remembrance parade
102 year old Holocaust survivor Henny Franks and D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh amongst marchers honouring Jewish veterans at Cenotaph
AJEX held its annual remembrance parade and ceremony on Sunday, with more than 2,500 people marching down Whitehall to the Cenotaph to honour Jewish veterans and all those who have served in the armed forces.
With many wearing family medals, crowds of spectators lined the route of the parade, which marked a landmark year: the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
AJEX National chair, Dan Fox, hosted Reviewing Officer Brigadier Melissa Emmett, Defence Minister Lord Coaker and Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies.
The parade was commanded by Jon Tyler and Lt Col Adam Shindler, with the Cenotaph ceremony conducted by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Major Simon Taylor and Rabbi Nathan Godleman.
Music was provided by the Band of the Household Cavalry, supported by the JLGB Marching Band.
Defence Minister Lord Coaker, who laid a wreath in honour of all British service personnel who have died in conflicts since the Second World War, said: “It was a privilege to stand at the Cenotaph today with Jewish veterans, their families, and young people from across the community.
“This parade is a powerful reminder of the immense contribution of Jewish servicemen and women throughout our country’s history. As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we remember their vital role in securing the freedoms we all cherish. It is our responsibility to ensure that legacy of service is never forgotten, and to stand in solidarity and gratitude with the British Jewish community, today and always.”
The wreath-laying ceremony brought together survivors, veterans and community representatives in a deeply moving moment of Remembrance.
Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos, 100-year-old D-Day veteran and Bergen-Belsen liberator Mervyn Kersh, and Zvi Noe jointly laid a wreath marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen.
Ivan Sugarman, an RAF national service veteran, laid a wreath with Rob Rinder, remembering all those who fought in the Battle of Britain on its 85th anniversary. Brigadier Melissa Emmett, the Reviewing Officer, laid the AJEX National Wreath in memory of all Jewish personnel who have died in the service of the Crown.
Ken Smith, National Service veteran and Lisa Ronson laid a wreath to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Saul Taylor, President of the United Synagogue and Richard Berke – both grandsons of VJ veterans – laid a wreath for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
A wreath was also laid by Rabbi Josh Levy, co-lead of Progressive Judaism, in honour of all Jewish chaplains who have served in HM Forces.
Students from JFS, JCoSS, Immanuel College and Hasmonean Schools then laid poppy posies, symbolising the passing of the baton of Remembrance to the next generation.
Dan Fox said: “Today we did more than Remember, we carried forward a legacy. This parade showed the strength, unity and pride of our community, honouring the 120,000 Jewish servicemen and women who served in the world wars and all those who continue to defend our country today. In a period of increasing antisemitism, standing together in Remembrance has never been more important.”
AJEX chief executive Fiona Palmer added: “In a world where the rise in antisemitism is challenging our values and communities, this Parade is our answer: a public and proud declaration of who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for.
“Our theme this year, ‘Carry them Forward, marching together captures the spirit of generations united in purpose. Thank you to everyone who joined us today”.
Speaking to Jewish News, actress Maureen Lipman, whose first husband Jack Rosenthal was a veteran of the merchant navy, said: “I think we realise more and more how much we owe to our servicemen. It’s important that people understand and remember what they sacrificed for us. You have to be there. You have to stand there. You have to put your head above the parapet and say ‘Today I’m a proud Jew and a proud English citizen. Both of those things come together.”
As fewer survivors and WWII veterans can attend, this is likely the last decade of major anniversaries in which they will be present in person.
- To watch a recording of the parade, click here.
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