Every donation made was doubled through generous match funding.
To bring Remembrance alive Edgar Santos, a JFS pupil and Cadet, had the opportunity of a lifetime interviewing 98 year old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh. AJEX shared this poignant interview online to highlight why Remembrance and AJEX’s work is so important.
Mervyn shared the importance of AJEX and connecting the generations so Remembrance is not forgotten and so the legacy of so many Jewish servicemen and women who fought for our freedom lives on. Mervyn said: “The numbers are falling of servicemen, I think I am one of the last. It is important everyone Remembers. It mustn’t be allowed to disappear.”
Edgar said: “I cannot express how grateful and honoured I am to have been a part of this project. It certainly is something I will remember for a long time and I look forward to being an ambassador for AJEX in future opportunities and keeping memories such as Mervyn’s alive”.
As part of the campaign AJEX held an exclusive interview where hundreds joined to hear National Chair Dan Fox interview Rachel Riley MBE. They spoke about the work Rachel has done combatting Antisemitism, her career and family.
Rachel shared what Remembrance means to her and the sacrifices veterans and currently serving personnel make. On Antisemitism, Rachel said we must not take it for granted, it has happened many times before- including to people that served and the shocking experience she had, which she described as very eye opening and terrifying.
“We should be grateful to everyone who puts on a uniform in our name. Jews are no different to anyone else”. Rachel praised AJEX for not just supporting veterans in the UK but combatting Antisemitism by shinning a spotlight on the sacrifices and the loyalty to Britain Jewish people have, “that we have always had, that we always show”. As a result, from the interview AJEX will be helping Rachel to find out more on her Grandfathers service after WW2.
AJEX, Chief Executive Fiona Palmer said, “We are so grateful to everyone who donated and watched the interviews. The cost of living puts huge pressures on finances and the support in reaching our target has ensured that despite tough times we can continue to support veterans and families who depend on us even more, carry on our education programmes in schools, help combat Antisemitism and continue our Remembrance programmes”.
You can still donate and watch the interviews at www.charityextra.com/AJEX
