Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia Incorporated
Founding Member General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD
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John Monash (Monasch) born
in Melbourne, Australia on 27 June 1865, the son of
German Polish Jewish migrants, can be researched in any
military history encyclopaedia or in fact by just
‘Googling’ his name on the internet. His history
and list of achievements are long and far too many to detail
in this brief summary. However, might I say that reading his
history is well worth the effort and I can assure you that
his deeds will amaze you. I have found that the deeds are
better labelled on more than one man and in more than one
lifetime.
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An
announcement was made in the weeks leading up to the
Centenary of ANZAC by Judy Landau, President VAJEX Aust.
She stated that it gave her great delight to announce
that VAJEX Aust (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex
& Servicemen & Women Australia Inc) has
successfully raised the required funds to build a new
Victorian Jewish Memorial after the style of the
historic Memorial located in the Jewish section of the
Melbourne General Cemetery. After an extensive two year
process, Judy has single-handedly sought letters of
support, raised the funds, and obtained approval from
the City of Port Phillip.
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Editorial
Remembrance Day Connection by Gary Fabian, VAJEX
The annual Remembrance Day commemoration on 12th November remains a continuing tribute to all who served in wars and conflicts in which Australian personnel were involved.
It connects with all Australians, but has a special connection with our Jewish community and Victorian Association of & Servicemen & Women Australia (VAJEX).
Proportionally, the sacrifices of Jewish service personnel far exceeds the comparative statistics for Australia as a whole.
VAJEX is the symbol and torch bearer of the Jewish spirit that permeates the Allied fight for survival and freedom.
It is only fitting that some of the highlights, notable achievements and landmarks in VAJEX Australia's history be recalled on Remembrance Day 2023.
In World War II, more than 3,800 Jewish men and women served in the Australian Armed Forces. That represented a significantly higher percentage than the national enlistment rate and had an impact on Jewish communal life in Victoria.
Of the then 72 male members of Temple Beth Israel, 59 enlisted. From Est. 1929 the 3rd St Kilda Scout Group, 129 or a quarter of Scouts enlisted. Almost all the male membership of Jewish sporting clubs joined the services. Australian Jewish servicemen and women subsequently received 120 awards for bravery and conspicuous service during WWII.
Following the war, there was the urge to maintain contact between those who had served and that evolved into VAJEX, which was founded by Sir John Monash.
VAJEX membership has since grown to embrace a wide group of veterans from many countries that have made Australia their home.
LEST WE FORGET