AJEX REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
We are seeing horrors every day on the tv. Last year Ukraine and Russia, which was horrific and this year in 5784, we are seeing horrors that seem much closer to home. Many of us in MJC know of people who have lost their lives in the recent war in the Middle East. I know that our rabbis are around, around the clock, to help those in the community, who are in need of an ear and a shoulder, and I thank the team for being there. It is sadly going to be a task that is not going to be remedied in the coming months.
This thought played on my mind on Sunday as I, along with some other Mosaic members, attended the Act of Remembrance service in Pinner. It was a damp and chilling air as I stood there looking at the very large and diverse age crowd. I think I am a young fellow but I was in the minority and it was heartening to see people, both younger and very much younger, than me, paying tribute to the fallen plenty. Prayers were said in English, Jain and Hebrew and I thought of people in foreign lands saying prayers for their war fallen too. The following exhortation was recited
They shall grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
A truer phrase cannot be said and this coming Sunday many of the Jews of the UK will gather at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to show that “we will remember them” and, in particular, the Jewish people who died in past wars to make it possible for me to grow up and live, in the UK, in peace. I will also be thinking of people who live in Israel who are mourning their family members who in 5784 are among those who are perishing leaving their families and their country to live in peace. History repeats itself and in our lifetimes. I can only speak for myself and those from Mosaic Jewish Community who march alongside me to salute the war dead, as we pass by the Cenotaph. Please come along and support your past family members who served in the Great Wars, as well as in other wars and who paid a heavy toll. I derive great inspiration from seeing the young people from Emmanuel College, JFS and other schools, as well as the Scouts, Guides and JLGB take part in this ceremony and showing visual support, which I am sure those who are still alive and able to attend the ceremony, from the last war, will appreciate too
The Kohima Epitaph, which is recited in every memorial ceremony throughout the land from John O’Groats to Lands End, both last week and this week in Whitehall, reminds us of the fallen, as if they were speaking to us today, in person.
When you go home,
Tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow
We gave our today.
The MJC members taking part look forward to seeing many of you, at Whitehall, on Sunday.
Edwin Lucas, Chair Mosaic Masorti
