Held during National Armed Forces Week, the ceremony paid tribute to the enduring legacy and sacrifice of Jewish men and women who served in HM Armed Forces, marking the 80th anniversary year since the end of the Second World War.
The ceremony brought together veterans, serving personnel, community leaders, AJEX members, and military representatives. Proceedings were led by Dan Fox, National Chair of AJEX, with prayers by Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone, supported by Rabbi David Singer and Rabbi Yossi Jacobs.
The Exhortation was read by AJEX Vice President, Mike Bluestone, Psalm 121 by Trustee Steve Pack and the Kohima by Trustee Jon Tyler. Clive Boxer one of AJEX’s beloved veterans and VPs laid the first wreath in memory of all Jewish men and women who have served accompanied by Lt Col Danny Yank.
Further wreaths were laid to commemorate all, those who served in HM Armed Forces; for the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII; honouring those who were liberated and the liberators at Bergen- Belsen 80 years ago; and remembering and honouring all those who were part of the Battle of Britain on its 85th anniversary. Wreath layers included Col James Denny, Maj Victoria Coles, Edward Green, Barbara Kober, Jeremy Michaelson VP at the Board of deputies, Michael Goldstein and Susy Stone.
Readings were given during the ceremony by Fiona Palmer, Lucy Godfrey, a cadet from the ACF and Josh Dennis. A contingent from Middlesex and North West London Army Cadets participated in the ceremony, with four cadets laying poppy posies at the memorial. The ceremony ended with a L’chaim toast to honour all those who have served and continue to serve. Following the ceremony, attendees visited memorials across the Arboretum.
Speaking after the ceremony, Dan Fox said: “It has been a momentous year for commemoration, as we mark the significant anniversaries of the final milestones in 1945 on the way to allied victory in WWII. We are so proud and privileged to have at least seven AJEX WWII veterans still with us in 2025. They are the embodiment of the duty and courage that our community demonstrated between 1939-45 and beyond, in ways well out of proportion to our numbers. We give thanks to and enact Remembrance for all those who defeated Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, giving us the freedom and security we enjoy today”.
Fiona Palmer, Chief Executive of AJEX, added: “This year’s ceremony was a profound reminder of the legacy we are entrusted to uphold. As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, it is more important than ever to honour the service of Jewish personnel who fought for peace and to remember the many who never returned. As antisemitism rises in the UK, AJEX remains steadfast in its mission to share the Jewish contribution to British society through Remembrance, education and welfare.”
The ceremony at the NMA is just one part of AJEX’s year-round commitment to those who served and those who continue to serve.
