100th anniversary of the NSW Jewish War Memorial
The Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, attended the Remembrance Day service at the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Major General Jeffrey V Rosenfeld (Ret’d) and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley Photo: Ilan Harris
The New South Wales Association of Ex-Service Men and Women also commemorated the centenary of the NSW Jewish War Memorial, opened by General Sir John Monash.
The Governor recited a prayer for serving members of the ADF.
Ron Hoenig, state MP for Heffron and Minister for Local Government, and David Ossip, the president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, also recited prayers.
The Occasional Address was given by Major General Jeffrey V Rosenfeld (Retired). The internationally respected neurosurgeon and army reservist spoke on Monash’s life and his positive impact on Australian society and members of the Australian military.
Major General Rosenfeld said: “It is often stated that his exceptional leadership of the Australian and allied troops on the Western Front, and his pride and openness in being Jewish were the reasons antisemitism was limited in Australian society at that time and well beyond. It is horrifying to all of us that overt antisemitism has resurfaced, especially in Melbourne and Sydney.” Major General Rosenfeld spoke of the antisemitism Monash experienced both inside and outside of his life in the army saying “he overcame all this by excelling in whatever he did, and by being highly respected by those he led.”
Major General Rosenfeld recounted the story of Monash being knighted by King George V. It was the first time in one hundred and seventy-five years that this high honour had been bestowed on the battlefield.
He continued: “However, we are not here to celebrate war, On the contrary, we are here to remember the courage and sacrifice of those Australians, and our allies, and in particular the Jewish citizens who fought to preserve our freedom and democracy.’
The ceremony concluded with the Governor presenting certificates to winners of the NAJEX Youth Leadership Awards.
