The Marseillaise was played through London’s French quarters on Tuesday in celebration of Bastille Day, but last Shabbat it made a guest appearance in a more unlikely place.
Hendon Reform Synagogue congregants sang Adon Olam to the tune of the French national anthem to honour a 98-year-old war veteran who received the Legion d’honneur in recognition of his part in the D-Day landings .
Michael Noss received France's highest decoration from ambassador Sylvie Bermann on Tuesday at a ceremony at the French Embassy in London.
Mr Noss said: “I was very honoured. A man cannot be anything but happy going to receive it – who wouldn’t be? It was an evening I shall always remember. It was wonderful. It was a dream.”
The war veteran attended the event with his wife of 68 years, Stella, and his son and daughter-in-law.
Describing his time as a soldier in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War, Mr Noss said: “There were no heroics. Just the fact that I happened to be there on D-Day. I did my job as thousands of other guys did. Some unfortunately didn’t make it.”
On D-Day he rescued another solider from the sea.
“All I know is that I was able to save another life. I saw water all around. I put my arm in and managed to get hold of a strap of his backpack. I pulled him up and then we had to get off the beaches as quickly as possible.”
Proud congregants at HRS held a special service and kiddush in the veteran’s honour.
Rabbi Steven Katz said: “He and his wife have been long-standing members of the Shabbat minyan. We were honoured that he chose to share his honour with us."
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.