JLGB Volunteers Out In Force To Commemorate Fallen Jewish Comrades
Over 150 members, leaders and Old Comrades from the JLGB joined the AJEX Annual Remembrance Parade and Ceremony on Sunday 20th November. Spectators lined the streets of Whitehall to witness The Coldstream Guards band and the Massed Bands of the JLGB march towards the Cenotaph along with hundreds of veterans, and their families, from across the country.
This year’s ceremony was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Harry Jacobi and commemorated the centenary of the Naval Battle of Jutland, The Battles of Verdun and The Somme. The JLGB were proud that senior volunteer, Robert Rams, lay a wreath on behalf of the JLGB and Youth Contingents.
The JLGB is proud to be not only a very British organisation, but one that is equally proud of its Jewish roots, culture, heritage and beliefs. As the years pass by, it falls to the younger generations of the Jewish community to carry the torch of remembrance and the JLGB is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with AJEX in memory of all those who fought and died for Britain and for the future of the Jewish people.
The occasion is especially poignant for the JLGB as they remember the 535 JLB (Jewish Lads’ Brigade as it was then) members who lost their lives fighting in the First World War. JLGB members were involved in almost every aspect of the Parade, from carrying standards, pushing wheelchairs, handing out orders of service, playing in the bands, and acting as marshals and markers for this important British Jewish event.
Neil Martin OBE, JLGB CEO said:
“Every year, the JLGB takes on more and more responsibility for the Parade, a commitment that is not taken lightly, and is undertaken with tremendous pride and honour from every generation of the JLGB. Service to the community has always been at the heart of JLGB life, and as such there has always been a very special relationship and bond with AJEX.”
Robert Rams, the adult volunteer given the honour to organise and lead the JLGB Contingents, said:
“It was the greatest honour I have ever received to lay the JLGB and Youth Contingents wreath at the Cenotaph on Sunday. It was so special to have so many JLGB members and leaders there supporting the thousands of Jewish ex-service men and women there on day, I would like to extend my thanks to each and every one of them.”
Brian Bloom, AJEX National Chairman said:
“We were delighted to once again be joined on our 82nd AJEX Parade by the wonderful blue uniforms, red capes, standards and band of the JLGB, whom we consider a sibling organisation sharing the same values and pride in our Jewish community. We thank them once again for all of their continued participation and support with AJEX in rememberance of those that gave their lives for our community and our country.”
For all Press Enquiries, please contact Ellie Pendred on ellie.pendred@jlgb.org
