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Thousands march to remember Jewish veterans

PA Media Members of the Armed Forces during the annual parade by AJEX, the Jewish Military Association, march along WhitehallPA Media
The parade took place on Sunday

Almost 3,000 people took part in a ceremony of remembrance for Jewish men and women who fought or lost their lives in conflicts.

A parade took place from Horse Guards to the Cenotaph, to mark the 103rd anniversary of the first wreath-laying by Jewish servicemen in central London.

This year's event had the theme of "Marching Together, Standing Tall" to show solidarity with British Jews standing against antisemitism.

Jewish Cadets and the Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade (JLGB) also took part in the annual Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) parade.

PA Media Henny Franks, 101, (left) Kindertransport survivor lays a wreath during the annual parade by AJEX, the Jewish Military Association, PA Media
On the left, Henny Franks, a 101-year-old Kindertransport survivor, lays a wreath

The first Star of David wreath was laid in 1921 by a group of Jewish ex-soldiers from the Judeans - the 38th, 39th and 40th battalions of the Royal Fusiliers.

The event also marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battles of Imphal and Kohima and the end of the Battle of Monte Cassino, as well as the 10th anniversary of the end of UK combat operations in Afghanistan.

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, Mervyn Kersh, a 99-year-old D-Day Veteran, and Henny Franks an 101-year-old veteran were among those laying wreaths.

The service at the Cenotaph was conducted by the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis KBE, AJEX Chaplain Rabbi Major Reuben Livingstone and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who said prayers in honour of those who served as well as in support of today's armed forces.

AJEX works to continue remembrance of the Jewish contribution to the military, combat antisemitism through education, and provide welfare for Jewish veterans and their families.

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