FROM THE AJEX NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Some two months have now passed since I took the helm at AJEX as National Chairman, and what a hectic and eventful eight weeks it has been! During these eight weeks I was present at two major remembrance events, which I highlight below, as well as attending the annual fund raising dinner for Bet Ha’Lochem UK, plus a civic service at the kind invitation of the Mayor of Brent, and a host of other meetings relating to AJEX activities.

S ince taking office, I have been struck by the positivity, optimism, and enthusiasm within AJEX for the associations’ future. Although AJEX is experiencing a natural reduction in the numbers of members who served in WW2, and during the post-war period of National Service, there is no shortage of interest in AJEX from the hundreds of Jewish members of today’s armed forces, along with many other members of the wider Jewish community, both young and old, who identify with the core objectives of AJEX, namely: Remembrance, Welfare, and Education The launch during my predecessor’s term of office of the umbrella body known as the ‘Jewish Military Association’, has provided a ‘cradle to grave’ approach, whereby serving Jewish military personnel are provided with community support both during, and after their period of service.

A JEX has demonstrated its own commitment to this approach through the appointment of Major Danny Yank, recently retired from the Regular Army and now serving as a Reserve Royal Artillery Commando officer as its Chief Executive. Dan Fox, a serving member of the Army Reserves was also elected as my Deputy, and it is my fervent wish that Dan will take over the mantle from me when my term of office ends.

A t a recent meeting of the AJEX Executive Committee, we also resolved to raise our profile in the fight against a worrying resurgence in anti-Semitic activity. In this regard we can support the work of the CST and the Board of Deputies by highlighting the support we provide to our Jewish armed forces personnel, and for Jewish veterans. The values espoused by AJEX need to be heard across the UK at this challenging time for the community, and we will not remain silent in the face of those who defame and malign our community. T hrough our ongoing support for initiatives such the WW1 ‘We Were There Too’ educational programme, and this year’s highly successful ‘Veterans Games’ for British and Israeli disabled veterans which was held in Israel, AJEX will be further focusing on veterans’ welfare.

M y Head Office leadership team, under the stewardship of Major Yank, is now fully engaged in the planning and implementation of a number of key remembrance events and ceremonies, which commemorate the sacrifice of British Jews and non-Jewish military personnel in the preservation of our freedom.

I n June we saw two key remembrance events pass off successfully, the first being a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, to commemorate the WW2 Battle of Monte Cassino, where Jewish soldiers played a significant role, and where many fell in battle. Our keynote speaker was Brigadier Simon Goldstein, who gave an insightful talk on the modern British Army, an equally excellent talk was given by our Education officer, Paula Kitching. Paula leads on our Jewish and nonJewish schools outreach programmes, supported by AJEX stalwart Ron Shelley. At the second event, which took place at Marlow Road Jewish Cemetery, we had the privilege of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis being present with us for the annual remembrance ceremony, where our dedicated Padre, Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone officiated for the Military element of the service. As I write, our hard working team is busy planning this year’s AJEX flagship Annual Remembrance parade at the Cenotaph, which we are confident will see increased numbers of marchers drawn from Jewish schools, cadet forces, and other youth organisations.

I cannot speak highly enough of the scores of volunteers who work tirelessly to raise the profile of AJEX through a wide range of activities. Of course, we certainly need and welcome more volunteers, with or without previous Military service or experience. The key attributes are a caring attitude for our Veterans, and serving forces community, and a willingness to give up some time. Our volunteers derive huge personal satisfaction in helping to preserve the future of AJEX, and I have nothing but praise for these dedicated AJEX volunteers, whose contribution is so vital.

A JEX has a solid future, but we cannot succeed without the support of the entire community. Volunteering is never easy, but the reward is to help perpetuate the memory of those who sacrificed so much, and those younger serving personnel who continue to place their lives on the line, so that we can live in freedom.

Mike Bluestone MA CSyP FSyI National Chairman