Jewish Veterans Honored in London Remembrance March

A remembrance ceremony honoring Jewish men and women who served or perished in conflicts saw the participation of nearly 3,000 individuals. A procession proceeded from Horse Guards to the Cenotaph, commemorating the 103rd year since Jewish servicemen first laid wreaths in central London. The theme for this year’s gathering was “Marching Together, Standing Tall,” intended to demonstrate unity with British Jews in their opposition to antisemitism. The annual parade organized by the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) also included participation from Jewish Cadets and the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB). In 1921, the initial Star of David wreath was placed by former Jewish soldiers from the Judeans, specifically the 38th, 39th, and 40th battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. Furthermore, the occasion commemorates several significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, and the conclusion of the Battle of Monte Cassino, alongside the 10th anniversary of the cessation of UK combat operations in Afghanistan. Among the individuals who placed wreaths were Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, Mervyn Kersh, a 99-year-old D-Day Veteran, and Henny Franks, a 101-year-old veteran. The ceremony held 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 both for those who have served and for the contemporary armed forces. AJEX’s mission involves perpetuating the memory of Jewish military contributions, combating antisemitism via educational initiatives, and delivering welfare services to Jewish veterans and their relatives.