The Book was published by the community in recognition of the often remarkable and crucial role played by the Jews of Britain and its Empire during World War One. It stands as a unique artefact around which Jews today can refute any question of our loyalty to Britain. 100 years on, AJEX – The Jewish Military Association are marking this anniversary in numerous ways including a search for original copies.
AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox, said: “This book is the embodiment of AJEX's three-fold mission of Remembrance, Welfare and Education. Jews fought with the allies in all theatres and across all services, including five Victoria Cross winners. Our contribution went all the way to the top, with General Sir John Monash commanding the Western Front and driving the final victory. There were even Jewish units such as the Zion Mule Corps, the Russian Labour Companies, and the 38th, 39th and 40th Battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. It was right and necessary that this service was properly marked in this special publication”.
In 1922, under the editorship of Rev Michael Adler, who had been the first Jewish military chaplain to serve in the field, the community published 3,000 copies of the Book of Honour. It contained the names of all 55,000 Jews who had served, with details of fatalities and casualties, military honours, the Jewish units, and the work of Jewish hospitals and of other Jewish institutions and agencies. Forewords were written by Adler, Monash, and others such as the then Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, and Field Marshall Haig.
As Rosh Hashana approaches, this year so many of us will be round a Yom Tov table with friends and family members. AJEX are asking for the Book of Honour to be raised during these gatherings. They have begun a log to record any discovered copies. Dan Fox adds: “We want to know where copies are now. How many have survived the century? Look around your bookshelves, ask family and friends if they have a copy, or have they seen one in synagogues, offices or anywhere else”.
The original book has a deep blue cover however some copies may have seeped in appearance due to the books age.
AJEX hope to locate as many as possible of these original copies to help the community Remember and promote once again all those who served in the First World War.
If you find a copy or know of an owner, please share the edition number that can be found on the first page with AJEX by emailing: bookofhonour@ajex.org.uk or calling 020 8202 2323
