Community
Ajex changes with the times
Organisation has new title and role supporting serving military personnel
September 18, 2018 10:01
Organisation has new title and role supporting serving military personnel
September 18, 2018 10:01The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women is launching a new corporate identity to reflect the changes in its role.
It will now be known as Ajex, the Jewish Military Association (UK) and will provide welfare support for serving Jewish personnel and their dependants, as well as for service veterans and families.
“Ajex has changed to meet the needs of our evolving community since it was formed in 1928,” explained national chairman Colonel Martin Newman. “It was established by sailors, soldiers, airmen and women returning from the war who experienced antisemitism and common falsehoods that Jews did not serve the country.
“The number of Second World War veterans and ex-national servicemen is decreasing but we still have a significant number of Jewish personnel serving in diverse roles. There will be a need for Ajex for years to come in the fields of remembrance, education and welfare.”
Optimistic about the future is Major Danny Yank, a reservist and former regular Royal Artillery Commando officer, who joined the organisation earlier this year as director of operations and development.
“We see our future in those still serving, who will be the veterans of tomorrow, their friends and families — and, of course, the Jewish Military Museum and other parties interested in Jewish history. I also want to build our volunteer network and will be involving young people and community groups.
“Some of the traditional roles of Ajex, such as security and fighting antisemitism, have been taken on by the CST and others who are better placed to deal with these issues. But we still have a role to play in combating the lies that Jews have dual loyalties and do not serve our country.”
Membership is not confined to veterans and serving forces personnel.
“We want to attract anyone who wants to uphold our tradition of service and ensure that the Jewish legacy to the armed forces of the Crown, formed over some 350 years, is not forgotten.”
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