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.
Submitted by Gary Ciddor
On Sunday 28 June 2015 a commemorative service “Birth of the Anzac Spirit” was held at St Kilda Synagogue. Those in attendance also saw the official launch of the Jewish Museum of Australia’s exhibition “True Jews and Patriots: Australian Jews and World War One”.
On entering the foyer of the St Kilda Synagogue the result of Dr Judy Landau’s enormous research effort was clearly visible – six large banners with photographs and biographical information about Jewish Victorian servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice in WW1. Judy, VAJEX Australia’s President, had spent two years collecting and analysing the information and designing the banners.
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