Record numbers march to Cenotaph in honour of Jewish servicemen and women

A parade has taken place in central London to honour the thousands of Jewish servicemen and women who fought and gave their lives for Britain's freedom.

A record number of nearly 3,000 veterans and their supporters marched from Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall, where wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph.

The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) says this year's theme for the annual event was Marching Together, Standing Tall, to emphasise unity and resilience and to stand against rising anti-semitism.

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Parade Commander and SAS veteran Jon Tyler told BFBS Forces News it is "desperately important" to remember the loyalty and contribution made by Jewish service personnel.

He said: "We're very proud of our long history of serving in the forces.

"In terms of percentage headcount, more Jews have served in the forces and gained distinction for bravery than any other demographic."

Veterans and families of fallen veterans walked together alongside Jewish Cadets and the Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade (JLGB).

The event took place 103 years after the laying of the first Star of David wreath in 1921 by a group of Jewish ex-soldiers from the Judeans – the 38th, 39th and 40th battalions of the Royal Fusiliers.

It also marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima, and the end of the Battle of Monte Cassino, as well as the 10th anniversary of the end of UK combat operations in Afghanistan.

The service at the Cenotaph was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who said prayers in honour of those who served as well as in support of today's Armed Forces.

Commemorative wreaths in the shape of the Star of David were laid by senior members of AJEX, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, religious representatives, fellow veterans organisations and military leaders.

Chelsea Pensioner Barrie Davey told BFBS Forces News why he was there: "I'm Jewish and it's the one time of the year when I can say thank you to the Jews that preceded me in wartime.

"It's a day of remembrance for us."

A minute's silence was held and the national anthem was sung, marking the end of the ceremony.

AJEX works to continue remembrance of the Jewish contribution to the military, combat antisemitism through education, and provide welfare for Jewish veterans and their families.