Centenary of the ANZAC
NSW will participate in the Centenary of The Anzac Jewish Program with a special commemorative service to be held at Sydney’s The Great Synagogue on Sunday 3 May.
NAJEX President Charles Aronson with a Digger’s hat
More than 1000 members of the Jewish and wider community are expected to attend this “once in a century” service. Invited guests include the Governor of NSW, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Premier of NSW, Consular and Government officials, members of the Military and many families with military family members.
The Centenary of Anzac Jewish Program is a national response from peak organisations within the Jewish community, including The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Federation of Australian Jewish Ex-Service Associations, and the Australian Jewish Historical Society.
The Jewish community has a long and very proud history of involvement with Australia’s military campaigns. More than 1800 Australian Jews served in WW1 and some 200 diggers made the supreme sacrifice – about 40 of them in the Gallipoli campaign.
One Australian Jewish soldier – Lieutenant Leonard Kaysor – was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional bravery at Lone Pine; this is the country’s highest military honour.
Sir John Monash is perhaps our best-known Anzac; he served at Gallipoli as a Brigadier, before going to the Western Front where he made a huge contribution to the struggle for freedom and the Anzac tradition.
It is very fitting that the Commemorative Service is being held at The Great Synagogue. During WW1, “The Great” was the focal point of the Jewish community and the shule’s Rabbi Cohen gave many patriotic sermons, exhorting Jews to enlist, not least as an expression of their gratitude to the wonderful young country that had provided them a safe haven and a home. Over the years a number of the Great Synagogue’s rabbis have served as ADF Jewish Chaplains.
The Commemorative Service is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the sacrifice made by our Jewish diggers. The Community is invited to attend this historic event that will highlight the Jewish contribution to our wonderful Anzac tradition.
Entry is free, but bookings are essential, as seating is limited – register your interest to attend by going to the event website: www.anzac100years.com.au
The Australian Government has determined that the years 2014 to 2018 will mark the Anzac Centenary. Those four years will include major commemorative and educational events throughout the community.
Just to be in such a HOLY place is an honour for any reason. But mainly one I don’t have to expand.