Past Events
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AGM 2010
Despite the appearance of the cartoon modified by someone who wishes to remain anonomous, our AGM was lively! See HOME page for photos and election results.
Sincere thanks to our popular and highly respected PATRON, Major General Jeffrey V Rosenfeld CStJ, for his address.
Many thanks to Louise for the delicious and steaming hot Kugel.
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ANZAC Day Service 2010
by SGT Julie Leder
Member VAJEX
The Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women Inc held a revitalised and emotional ANZAC Day service at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Burwood.
One of the new additions to the otherwise traditional service, was an audio-visual presentation showing images reflecting the aims and objectives of the Association, as well as photos of Jewish personnel in the field observing Yom Tovim. Audible gasps were heard from the audience when photos of the late Private Greg Sher, who was KIA Afghanistan on the 4th January 2009, were projected onto the huge screen. The presentation was powerful and unforgettable.
Family members and friends of PTE Greg Sher Z"L were in the audience, as well as family members of some of the Jewish personnel currently serving with the Australian armed forces overseas.
Prayers were read by students from Bialik College, Leibler-Yavneh College, Mount Scopus Memorial College and The King David Jewish day schools. Chaplain Rabbi Dovid Gutnick also lead prayers.
The service was well attended and we were privileged to have Mr Denis Baguley, CEO Shrine of Remembrance, as our guest speaker.
The feedback by members and friends of this year's service has been overwhelming and unprecedented. With many having had a taste of the refreshing enthusiasm and respectful reverence displayed in the service, they are now anticipating what might be on the drawing board for the future. Other new initiatives and modifications are planned to be introduced in the VAJEX ANZAC Day service 2011, and with these exciting changes, it will be an event not to be missed!
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
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End of 2009 members & friends barbeque
To celebrate the end of an eventful year VAJEX members and friends gathered for an End of Year Barbeque. The venue was filled with around 100 people. The event was spurred on with its good atmosphere until late into the afternoon. The barbeque was kindly hosted by devoted committee members Louise Dyskin and Eric Gordon. The food was plentiful and delicious, with a lot of variety, and conversations were lively. The event afforded many an opportunity to catch up and connect that would not normally have arisen.
VAJEX plans to provide more social opportunities in the future as it would be great to see our members more often.
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2009 Remembrance Day Luncheon
by Dr Marlene Ryzman
Classical Scholar & Lecturer
Member VAJEX
The Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women Inc (VAJEX) held it's annual Remembrance Day Luncheon on 22nd November, 2009. MC Dr Judy Landau, Vice President, kept the function moving smoothly.
It was attended by our Patron In Chief the Rt Hon Sir Zelman Cowen AK GCMG GCVO KStJ QC and Patron MAJ GEN Jeffrey V Rosenfeld C StJ who conducted the Book of Remembrance Ceremony.
Sir Zelman Cowen, who recently turned 90, was presented by VAJEX President Ben Hirsh, a certificate from the JNF. Eighteen trees have been planted in Israel in his honour.
His long list of achievements and awards makes him one of the most honourable and dignified Australians in history. His presence and humble acceptance of the Birthday Certificate charged the atmosphere with an unparalleled warmth.
The pinnacle of the Luncheon was the service conducted by MAJ GEN Rosenfeld's presentation of the pages for the Book of Remembrance. The pages honour each Jewish Serviceman or Woman who had passed away during the last 12 months.
His or her name, rank and service details are inscribed in the Book of Remembrance for eternity. This year, the impressive pages have been redesigned by Dr Landau. Appreciative VAJEX family members received a copy of the beautifully inscribed record embossed with the insignias and mottos of the units in which the Fallen had served.
Special mention was made of Pte Gregory Sher of 1 Commando Regiment, killed in action in Afghanistan on 4th January 2009. VAJEX has instituted a Memorial Shield in his name to be presented to each of the accepting Jewish Days Schools & UJEB in Melbourne.
All aspects of the ceremony were deeply moving. A hushed silence fell over the hall when the Ode to the Fallen was recited by Ben Hirsh and the haunting Last Post and Rouse were sounded, evoking deep memories and powerful emotions.
The vibrant Guest Speaker, distinguished historian and writer Mr Roland Perry, brought history to life with his informative and entertaining speech.
My father, Gunner Dov Ryzman OBM who passed away 25th December 2008, of 16 Field Artillery Regiment attached to 1 Australian Armoured Division, was one of those honoured by VAJEX.
He was a deep philosophical thinker and writer who wrote verse and short stories during his army service, some of which have been published. He continued to write throughout his life to convey positive messages.
I felt privileged to recite some of his inspiring verses which radiated warmth, giving comfort to other families present.
The dawn of day is part of G~d's plan
It will surely come if man does his share.
The sun is up ... the day has commenced.
On wings of the morning to soar we dare.
VAJEX fulfils a vital active role within our community and also serves us well with its links to the broader Australian community. The invaluable courageous contribution to our country from Australian Jewish Men & Women from the Past to Present should never be forgotten.
LEST WE FORGET