COMMUNITY NEWS

BY LT COL DANNY SHARPE FRCEM FIMC RCS (ED) RAMC

80 Years Since the Beginning of WW2

Normally, it is the end of conflict not the beginning which is commemorated. Thus, the 80th anniversary of the commencement of WW2 would not be marked this year but for the fact that it ushered in one of the most punishing and painful chapters in our long Jewish history - and indeed that of the world. There is a rabbinic source for this in regard to the destruction of Jerusalem (TB Taanit 29A) which says, ‘The beginning point of tragedy is the most severe...’ meaning that the origins of cataclysm often lie in a sequence of early events which change the moral terrain and open the door for great catastrophe to ensue.

W W2, however, was not only an unutterably profound Jewish tragedy and the zenith of two millennia of scapegoating antisemitism - but also, paradoxically, had elements of Jewish triumph. Even as the Nazis murdered 6 million, over 1.5 million Jews fought back; with many volunteering themselves into the forward phalanx of a disparate Allied force of hundreds of millions that would bring the rule of evil to its knees. A core of these battle hardened fighting Jews and survivors became the backbone of the IDF and saw it victoriously through the War of Independence in 1948 - and subsequent conflicts - against all odds.

Through the experience of the war, Jews and Judaism would never be the same. Even as myriad of our people were slaughtered without being able to resist, other Jews on the Allied and Soviet sides fought back ferociously and thereby created a new template of the fighting Maccabeans who would never again be passive victims. Spiritually, this is the origin of the military self-empowerment of the State of Israel and the guiding IDF doctrine of preemptive self defence.

The tradition of Jewish soldiering is in fact rooted in the Torah and evidenced by the way in which the tribes of Israel were enumerated by Moses based entirely on eligibility for military service. The Jewish Military Association UK (JMA) combining AJEX (The Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women) for veterans, and AFJC (The Armed Forces Jewish Community) for those currently serving, is a proud expression of this ancient martial tradition of service and selflessness.

W hen G-d charged Abram to leave his past behind and go forth to a new land and mission, the Torah says, ‘And you shall be a blessing’ (Genesis 12:2). Being a blessing to others through engendering a positive moral example is a theme that pulses through the rest of the Torah.

Those Jews who serve their people and country - whether in the UK or Israel - model the blessing of Abraham incorporating values, standards, faith and valour; and by that ensure that our young people have committed role models. Furthermore, they reinforce an acute sense of history which imbues vigilance in the face of ongoing existential threats to Jews and wider society. By marking 80 years since the dark clouds of 1939 we show solidarity for the victims - but we also muster eternal respect for the victors.

Earlier this year, we asked members to stand for election to positions on the newly formed AFJC Leadership Team . As a result, we now have a motivated, dynamic group drawn from all three services, including Regular, Reserve and Cadet Force personnel and with a rank range of Lance Corporal to Lieutenant Colonel.

This Main Effort of this team is to support Jewish personnel and their families in all aspects of their service life as well as inspiring and facilitating opportunities to increase access to Jewish life and experiences for the benefit of our community, whether that be through cultural, social or religious means, supporting personal development and education, or connecting to the wider Jewish community in the UK.

The AFJC Leadership Team came together this month to set out the direction of travel for the community over the next three to five years. This meeting was skilfully led by the professional strategist, Dr Lynette Nusbacher. The message that came from the team was clear. We need to provide a tangible difference to our community; things that our members can point to and say “the AFJC helped me achieve this”. By working in a joined up way with our colleagues in the Jewish Committee for HM Forces led by Air Cdre Philip Lester, and with our charitable arm, the Friends of Jewish Service Men and Women, as well the team at AJEX, we hope, within the next year to significantly expand the offer we make our serving personnel and their families.

It has been inspiring to witness some of the extraordinary activities of our people this year. Despite being relatively few, it is clear our community is full of those who excel in their professional lives and in their contribution to their Service. Whether that be securing high profile postings, being noted for academic excellence, outshining counterparts in basic training or representing their service on the sports field our people are delivering the goods with an equal measure of pride, humility and determination.

We have also seen a busy period for our community of deployments overseas on exercise and operations. Over the last 12 months we have had members serving on almost every continent and in a multitude of different roles at sea, on land and in the air. My plea to those reading this in synagogues and community organisations is to remember that today and every day, Jews continue to serve this country and its people, often with significant personal sacrifice. Do not let their contribution go unnoticed.

If you want to follow the work of the AFJC and see some of the amazing people that make up our Community, or if you are a member who wishes to reconnect, you can follow us and get in touch on Twitter @HMAFJC.

May I take the opportunity to wish you and your families a Shana Tova, a happy, sweet, safe and successful year ahead.