Jewish ANZAC commemoration in Melbourne
The Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia has held its memorable ANZAC commemoration service.
Ben Hirsh, Major Mike Wells and Dr Judy Landau commemorating the ANZACs
Headed by our distinguished Patron-in-Chief MAJGEN Jeffrey V Rosenfeld CStJ and Patron Mr Jack Smorgon (also National Chairman of Defence Reserves Support Council) and Mrs Val Smorgon along with a host of other dignitaries in attendance.
It was a well-attended, moving ceremony charged with unparalleled warmth, commemorating the loss of Jewish Australian Defence & Allied personnel who fell in War on Gallipoli; in all other conflicts including Vietnam; and those who fell after their service ended. VAJEX President Dr Judy Landau’s powerful address was emotion charged, reinforcing our strong connection with each other.
Honoured guests included FAJEX President Mr Brian Nebenzahl RFD whose participation in the solemn Wreath-laying Service was much appreciated.
Additional tribute was paid to youngest VAJEX member PTE Gregory Michael Sher, Of Blessed Memory, 1 Commando Regiment, who was tragically Killed in Action in Afghanistan on 4 January 2009. A beautifully presented DVD collage of precious moments in his military and civilian life brought his memory alive to the tears of a spellbound audience.
In a heartening dignified VAJEX instituted tribute, Vice President Mr Ben Hirsh, together with Mr Felix and Mrs Yvonne Sher (Gregory’s parents), presented the PTE Gregory Sher Memorial Shield Awards to worthy Jewish school students.
Highly-decorated, distinguished Guest Speaker MAJ Mike Wells ED helped commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Australia’s withdrawal from Vietnam.
Our own Jewish Vietnam Veterans, brothers Mr David Roubin (QAJEX President) & Mr Loris Roubin together with Mr David Wittner (both VAJEX members) took centre stage as the mesmerising DVD tribute featuring their Vietnam days came to life, with their presence today.
The stirring DVD was managed by Mr Steve Tusak and Ceremonial Duties were performed smoothly by Ms Julie Leder.
In a world where people constantly text, email and face-book, we all had phones switched off, while we were switched on with each other, fully engaged in the moment of remembrance.
We all became brothers and sisters united in a deeply moving ceremony which reaffirmed the values of all our Jewish Australian Servicemen & Women Organisations.
We all shared a tear as the deepest part of our soul was touched, reminding us who we truly are and our need for communication and contact as we walk the path of Remembrance together.
The ceremony took place last Sunday at the Glen Eira Town Hall Auditorium.
