Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women: Remembrance Parade and Ceremony

18 November 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Religion & FaithVeterans

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Blackman raised concerns about association of jewish ex-servicemen and women: remembrance parade and ceremony in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Bob Blackman highlighted the 100th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women (AJEX), emphasizing its annual remembrance ceremony and parade.
  • The debate noted the contributions of over 55,000 British and British Empire Jews who served with the allies during World War I, with at least 2,000 losing their lives.
  • Alex Chalk acknowledged Jewish soldiers' contributions to British military efforts over centuries, including notable acts of bravery like Frank de Pass's Victoria Cross award and Florence Greenberg's service on a hospital ship during Gallipoli.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Bob Blackman highlighted the 100th anniversary of AJEX, emphasising its annual remembrance ceremony and parade. He discussed the contributions of Jewish veterans in WWI and WWII, noting over 55,000 British and British Empire Jews served with the allies during WWI, with at least 2,000 losing their lives. The debate also focused on the publication of the 'British Jewry Book of Honour' in 1922, a comprehensive record of Jewish military service. Blackman acknowledged AJEX's significant impact and urged Parliament to attend this year’s event, emphasising the need to educate future generations about these sacrifices.

Other contributors (1)
  • Unknown MP

    No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

Government Response

Alex Chalk

Alex Chalk responded by thanking Bob Blackman for his speech and securing the debate. He highlighted Jewish soldiers' contributions to British military efforts over centuries, including their bravery in WWI and WWII. Notable examples included Frank de Pass's Victoria Cross award and Florence Greenberg’s heroic service on a hospital ship during Gallipoli. The minister also noted the crucial role of Jewish women like Vera Atkins in intelligence operations and mentioned current active-duty Jewish personnel serving around the world. He announced his attendance at AJEX's upcoming parade and committed to supporting the Jewish community within the armed forces through various initiatives, such as kosher food provisions and prayer facilities.

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