Notes
His name is not on the Historic Obelisk in Melbourne General Cemetery. Norman attested that he was Church of England. Son of Joseph William BLOCK born Ararat (Jeweller) & Emily née BRIGGS born Hobart. They married 10th April 1884 Reg No 2267 in Smith Street, Fitzroy by Wesleyan Minister John Watsford. His mother, Emily Block, died 1948 Reg No 5761 age 87 at Murrumbeena, Victoria. She was cremated at Springvale Crematorium, Victoria and not buried as a Jew. Norman’s father, Joseph William Block, died in 1905 Reg No 4114 age 44. He is interred at Ballarat New Cemetery, Church of England F, Section 09, Grave 19. Maternal Grandparents: Harrison BRIGGS & Sarah née SMITH. A testament was in his possessions. There was no minyan or notices in Jewish publications in Victoria. There is no evidence that he was Jewish. Rabbi’s decision: Ruled to not be Jewish. Therefore he is not to be on the list for future memorials.
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.
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.