John Monash (Monasch) born in Melbourne, Australia on 27 June 1865, the son of German Polish Jewish migrants, can be researched in any military history encyclopaedia or in fact by just ‘Googling’ his name on the internet. His history and list of achievements are long and far too many to detail in this brief summary. However, might I say that reading his history is well worth the effort and I can assure you that his deeds will amaze you. I have found that the deeds are better labelled on more than one man and in more than one lifetime.
An announcement was made in the weeks leading up to the Centenary of ANZAC by Judy Landau, President VAJEX Aust. She stated that it gave her great delight to announce that VAJEX Aust (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia Inc) has successfully raised the required funds to build a new Victorian Jewish Memorial after the style of the historic Memorial located in the Jewish section of the Melbourne General Cemetery. After an extensive two year process, Judy has single-handedly sought letters of support, raised the funds, and obtained approval from the City of Port Phillip.
Julie Leder represented VAJEX Australia at Hobart Synagogue on Sunday, 30th of October 2016.
The service honoured current and ex-service members of the Australian Defence Force.
In particular, for the Centenary of ANZAC, mention was made of the 16 members of the Tasmanian Jewish Community who served in World War 1, especially the three Tasmanian Jewish Soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
The highlight of the service was the dedication of a new Honour Roll Plaque, displaying the names of all the Tasmanian Jews who served in the Boer War, WW1 and WW2 and it was blessed by Rabbi Yochanan Gordon from Launceston Synagogue.
The event was attended by Senator the Hon Eric Abetz, Chaplain Rabbi Yossi Friedman from RAAF Richmond, many relatives of those who served and many other distinguished guests.
Afterwards, Julie attended the Hobart Town Hall for a function to recognise the ANZAC Remembrance Service of the Tasmanian Jewish Community.
