PRESS FACILITY NOTIFICATION

ANNUAL JEWISH CEREMONY OF REMEMBERANCE AND PARADE

AJEX The Jewish Military Association UK, formerly known as the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen & Women is to hold its annual Ceremony of Remembrance and Parade at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London on Sunday 18 November 2018.

The event this year will specifically commemorate the centenary of the 1918 armistice and recognise Jewish service to Crown and Country during WWI.  British Jews volunteered in disproportionally high numbers with some 55,000 serving in all services, out of a small community population of just 300,000 Jews.  A further 35,000 Jews from Palestine and the British Empire also served and the Royal Fusiliers formed five Jewish battalions, known as the Judeans.  Many Americans joined the Judeans to serve with their fellow Jews, with one of the battalions being formed mainly from Americans and Canadians.

Awards for bravery, mentions in dispatches and casualty figure were also disproportionately high with five British Jews being awarded the Victoria Cross. An extraordinary achievement from such a small community.

A higher turnout of veterans, serving members of the armed forces, friends, relatives, supporters and community and youth groups are expected to attend.  Breaking from tradition, an additional educational event for young people and their families will be held before the parade.

AJEX National Chairman, Colonel Martin Newman is appealing for as many people as possible to attend to highlight the amazing level of loyalty and service demonstrated by the Jewish community for over 350 years, especially in two world wars and beyond, including current conflicts.

Timings:

The Parade will assemble at Horse Guards Parade at 1330

The family drop-in event will be held at 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY between 1100 and 1300.  Further information is available from paula.kitching@ajex.org.uk

Accreditation

Media is invited to attend and accreditation will be required because of the high security status at this time.  If you wish to attend with reporters, photographers or camera crews please contact Major Danny Yank on 0208 202 2323 or email danny.yank@ajex.org.uk  Names of all representatives will be required for issue of security and press passes.

Spokesman

Further information and comment is available from Col Martin Newman MBE DL, AJEX National Chairman.  Contact 07717 717981 martin.newman@ajex.org.uk