Fri 19 Sep 2025 08:43

Proudly Representing: JLGB Honour VE & VJ Day at National Commemorations

The Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB) was honoured to play a central role in the United Kingdom’s national commemorations marking the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Second World War generation.

Monday 5 May – VE Day 80 Parade and Procession

Seven JLGB adult volunteers and young leaders proudly marched in the grand military procession from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, joining over 1,300 participants from the Armed Forces, uniformed services, and youth organisations. Two JLGB young leaders, Rebecca Silversone and Tali Leigh, alongside our very own CEO, also witnessed the historic flypast featuring the Red Arrows and other aircraft from the Grandstand at the Queen Victoria Memorial.

Monday 5 May – 10 Downing Street Street Party

JLGB was delighted to have four representatives at the 10 Downing Street street party: Adult Volunteer, Emily Diamond and three young members; Daniel Lockwood, aged 8, Jessica Lockwood aged 11, and Olivia MacQueen, age 12. This special event celebrated community spirit while honouring the legacy of those who served during the war.

Thursday 8 May – Westminster Abbey Service

Thirteen JLGB representatives attended the Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Among them was 17-year-old JLGB Young Leader, Sam Rose-Isaacs, a Year 12 student at Yavneh College, who carried white roses with fellow youth leaders and distributed them to veterans during the national ceremony attended by royalty, political leaders, and military figures.

Wearing his JLGB uniform and kippah (head covering), Sam later described feeling “insanely proud” to represent the Jewish community:

“It wasn’t just for me or my family; it was for the whole Jewish community around the world. I was standing there in my kippah, in uniform, with the JLGB logo on either side of my arms, and I just felt so proud.”

The service, broadcast live on the BBC, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for JLGB’s young members to stand at the heart of history and honour the sacrifices of the Second World War generation.

Thursday 8 May – Celebration Concert at Horse Guards Parade

300 JLGB members, volunteers, staff, and their families were also thrilled to attend the star-studded celebration concert at Horse Guards Parade, broadcast live on BBC One.

Honouring VJ Day 80

In August, JLGB continued its proud involvement in national commemorations by participating in events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Three JLGB representatives – Adult Volunteer, Jake Blumenow, Young Leader, Amelie Pittack, aged 17, and Young Member, Ira Miller, aged 15 – attended the Prime Minister’s commemorative Garden Party at 10 Downing Street. This poignant event honoured those who served in the final stages of the Second World War and those who endured captivity in the Far East.

Their presence highlighted JLGB’s role in ensuring that the legacy of sacrifice is carried forward by today’s generation of Jewish youth leaders.

Honouring JLGB’s Oldest Member

JLGB proudly salutes one of its oldest members and Honorary JLGB Colonel, 100-year-old Normandy veteran Mervyn Kersh. Mervyn, who joined JLGB at the age of 9, landed on Gold Beach three days after D-Day and played a vital role in ensuring the British Army’s advance through Normandy. His unwavering dedication continues to inspire JLGB members of all ages.

JLGB’s active participation in VE Day 80 and VJ Day 80 events underscores its enduring commitment to honouring the past while empowering the next generation to build a better future, rooted in Jewish values and British traditions.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Alice.Brostoff@JLGB.org

About JLGB:

This year celebrating its 130th anniversary, the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB) is a national Jewish youth organisation that provides young people with opportunities for personal development, leadership training, and community service, proudly rooted in Jewish values and British traditions.

Be yourself.
Be your best self.

For over 125 years, young Jewish people have been discovering just how brilliant they can be and how they can make the world a better place through JLGB. Whether you're 8 or 18, whatever you want to be, join in and be your best self with us!

Join JLGB here