A significant number of individuals joined a march to pay tribute to Jewish veterans who served and sacrificed for their country. Around 3,000 people gathered at Horse Guards Parade and marched to the Cenotaph in central London, commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the first wreath-laying ceremony by Jewish servicemen at the Cenotaph. The theme for this year’s event was “Marching Together, Standing Tall,” highlighting solidarity with British Jews in the face of increasing antisemitism. During the annual Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) parade, veterans, families of fallen veterans, Jewish Cadets, and the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB) walked side by side.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of significant events such as D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, and the conclusion of the Battle of Monte Cassino. Additionally, it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the end of UK combat operations in Afghanistan. The service at the Cenotaph was led by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone, and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who offered prayers in honor of past and present armed forces members. Commemorative wreaths shaped like the Star of David were laid by various dignitaries, including Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich and 99-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh.
Holocaust survivor Henny Franks, who escaped Nazi persecution as a teenager through the Kindertransport, expressed gratitude for being selected to lay a wreath and emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring those who served. Defence minister Lord Vernon Coaker also paid tribute to all British Service personnel who lost their lives in conflicts post-Second World War. The ceremony concluded with a minute of silence and the singing of the national anthem.
Dan Fox, the national chairman of AJEX, highlighted the unity and pride displayed during this year’s parade, emphasizing the community’s collective strength. He reiterated the commitment to honoring Jewish servicemen and women, fighting against antisemitism, and supporting Jewish veterans and their families through remembrance, education, and welfare initiatives. AJEX continues to uphold the legacy of the Jewish military contribution and combat prejudice through its various efforts.
