Duty, resilience and relevance: AJEX rises to the Covid challenge
AJEX is widely recognised for its efforts to ensure the contribution of veterans from the Jewish community that served in HM Armed Forces, is never forgotten. What is less well known perhaps is that AJEX also focuses on welfare, remembrance, education and combatting antisemitism. Chief Executive, Fiona Palmer reflects on some of their achievements during the pandemic.
In the 100th year since the first Jewish wreath laying at The Cenotaph, it should come as no surprise that an organisation with its roots in military service has shown such resilience and adaptability. When I joined in January 2020, I was looking forward to the forthcoming ceremonies for key events such as 75 years since the liberation of Bergen Belsen. I was also eagerly anticipating being part of the AJEX annual ceremony and parade. However when lockdown hit, we had to re-envision our plans.
During these challenging times, I took Inspiration from Jewish men and women who served in the British forces over the last hundred plus years. Through their incredible devotion to duty, they exemplified the Jewish understanding of service, loyalty and sacrifice. The meaning of their actions and the values they represent are the foundations of AJEX.
At the start of lockdown, AJEX set up our Loneliness Project. We were worried about our members’ potential isolation and anxiety over Covid. This project with its amazing volunteers tirelessly provided a ‘listening ear’. Our Welfare team also gave Covid related grants to those in need, as well as continuing our festival grants to ensure veterans and their families were supported.
Having had to cancel our event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen Belsen we rapidly adapted to providing online events. Usually, National Armed Forces week in June is marked at the National Memorial Arboretum, however instead we created a successful event online celebrating the Jewish role in HM Armed Forces. On the education front, we launched a series of ‘Historical Talks in Your Home’ and held virtual events for key anniversaries such as the 75 years since VE day, and a campaign encouraging people to make a Shabbat L’chaim in honour of those who fought for our freedoms.
Our greatest challenge was the annual Cenotaph parade which has been a major event in the calendar of the Anglo-Jewish community since the 1930s. AJEX was determined to honour the vital role played by our community in British life and remember those who fought for freedom. With the help of the Metropolitan Police and Westminster Council, we visited The Cenotaph twice. Once in October to film a ceremony which was a centrepiece of the online event and for a second time in November when a small group laid wreaths, ensuring a presence on the Sunday after Remembrance Sunday.
The virtual Remembrance event had excellent support from across the community. Over 10,000 tuned in both in the UK and overseas. As a result of being online, the event was accessible to a wider audience which was warmly received by many. Our virtual Remembrance drew interest from all generations of the community including primary schools where children took part in our ‘Remember in Red’ campaign, an online poppy drawing competition and virtual veteran talks for many schools. I am so proud of the way AJEX rose to the challenges we faced due to Covid.
Nearly every family, from every part of the Jewish Community has a connection with AJEX. Our work is as relevant today as ever and it will continue stronger than ever as we emerge from the pandemic. With communal support, I look forward to our fundraiser on 11th & 12th July. If you would like to be a team leader visit www.charityextra.com/AJEX
