Anzac Day in Cairns – Jews pray separately
Jewish ex-servicemen in Cairns have been told by the RSL that they cannot recite Kaddish at the Anzac Day memorial function.The former military men were told by authorities that this year’s ceremony would be secular and therefore could not accommodate the Kaddish.
Richard ben Serai, who served in the navy, told media in Cairns that despite claims to the contrary, there will be 19th century Christian hymns sung at the Anzac Day ceremony on April 25.
A small Jewish contingent will hold a separate memorial service at which Kaddish, for those who gave their lives to the country, will be recited.
Don Freeman, a Vietnam veteran and former owner of a tourist park added that all religions should be part of Anzac Day.
The service for Jewish ex-service personnel will take place on the city’s Esplanade following the official service under the banner of the RSL .
