This year, this historic event was themed on connection and witnessed veterans and families of fallen veterans, march side by side with pride. Thousands gathered, with more than 1,400 people participating in the march from Horse Guards Parade down Whitehall to The Cenotaph.
AJEX were honoured this year to be joined by a representative unit from the Fusiliers, re-establishing the Jewish community's connection to this proud Royal Regiment and by Alex Chalk KC MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence who laid a wreath alongside the veteran Mervyn Kersh.
The Parade was the first to be held under the reign of HM King Charles III and marked the sad passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, remembering her unique contribution to our nation and all she did as Commander in Chief of HM Armed Forces. This event also marked the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid and the Second Battle of El Alamein, and the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.
National Chairman Dan Fox hosted The Reviewing Officer, Major General Jon Swift OBE. The Parade was commanded by Ron Shelley MBE and supported by Commander Daniel Weil as his second in command, and as Operational Commander, Major Danny Yank.
JLGB members and a contingent of Cadets from JFS for the second consecutive year took part too, attending together with other Jewish schools, Scout groups and members of the Jewish community.
The Service at The Cenotaph was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi (Major) Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg who said prayers in honour of those that served as well as in support of today’s Armed Forces.
A number of wreaths were also laid by senior members of AJEX, The Minister, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, religious representatives, fellow veterans organisations and military leaders. Students from Jewish schools laid poppy Posies. AJEX gratefully received letters of support from His Majesty the King and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
AJEX National Chairman, Dan Fox said: “I was overwhelmed to see so many marchers and supporters at one of the most significant AJEX Parade’s in the event's long-standing history. The spread of generations and the mix of military, Jewish and secular rites, connects us to honour the contribution and sacrifice of Jewish Serviceman and Women and the courage of those in uniform today. Being a part of it is an extremely meaningful moment and I am so grateful to everyone that joined today”.
The Ceremony marked the end of a packed and memorable Remembrance fortnight for AJEX with schools taking part in the Remember in Red Campaign, school activities and the annual AJEX Shabbats, as well as participating in community and national events across the UK.
AJEX Chief Executive, Fiona Palmer, added: “Founded many decades ago the mission of AJEX is to uphold Remembrance, care for Veterans and their families and educate those around us about our participation and contribution in keeping our nation safe. These goals continue to be at the heart of our work year- round. It was wonderful today to be able to honour and Remember through our Parade and special Ceremony. When I looked around and see our schools, Cadets, JLGB, families and hundreds of individuals walking alongside our veterans I felt the connection so strongly with past and current generations.”
To support AJEX in order to help their work continue visit: www.ajex.org.uk
Please click here to download a brochure from the day.
