To foster a spirit of loyalty to the Queen, the British Commonwealth and the Commonwealth of Australia;
To perpetuate and honour the memory of all allied service personnel who served, including those who died during or since service;
To protect the interests and advance the welfare of all Jewish Ex-Service persons and their immediate family;
To officially represent the Jewish Ex-Service persons in all matters affecting the Association;
To subscribe to such local or other charity as the Board may deem fit;
To render such assistance to Jewish personnel serving the armed services of the Commonwealth of Australia or her allies as in the discretion of the Board shall seem to meet.
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.
Monash had many careers, and it could be said that he was outstanding in all that he chose. He was a scholar; he passed the matriculation examination when only 14 years of age, at 16 he was dux of Scotch College, Melbourne. He went on and graduated from the University of Melbourne, BA in 1887, and Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1893, Law in 1895 and Doctor of Engineering in 1921. He practiced law and became a highly regarded engineer. It is to his credit that a number of Melbourne’s major bridges bear his name.
Our Welfare Officer, Ben Hirsh or another representative, attend the funerals and consecrations of our ex-service members whenever possible. Families are contacted inviting them to have a Book of Remembrance page produced to honour the memory and service of the family member who passed away after their military service finished.
Our Chaplain, MAJ Rabbi Dovid Gutnick is on hand for pastoral work for serving members of the ADF offering guidance and assistance on Jewish matters. He regularly attends and participates in VAJEX Australia events.