Jewish leaders join ADF at commemoration

Senior Jewish leaders and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel represented the community at a Sir John Monash commemorative service held recently in the Legislative Assembly Chamber at Parliament House.

The service brought together representatives of government, the ADF, veterans, cadets, schools and members of the wider community to mark the life of Monash.

Hosted by the Spirit of Australia Foundation, the service reflected on Monash’s contribution as a soldier, engineer, scholar and nation builder. Monash commanded the 4th Australian Infantry Brigade at Gallipoli and later the Australian Corps in France, where his leadership contributed to the Allied victories of 1918. After the war, he served as chairman of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and was one of the founders of the Zionist Federation of Australia.

The service included reflections on Monash’s life, the James E. Barry Oration, musical items, the Ode, the Last Post, a minute’s silence and the laying of wreaths.

ADF chaplain Rabbi Dovid Gutnick recited a memorial prayer for Monash in Hebrew and English, followed by a prayer for Australia. Retired Major Jeffrey Rosenfeld served as master of ceremonies. Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women (VAJEX) representative Janice Furstenberg laid a wreath in Monash’s memory.

“The annual event is always a highlight of the year for me,” Furstenberg told The AJN. “It was an honour to represent VAJEX Australia and the Jewish community on behalf of the JCCV.

“It felt heartwarming knowing that Monash also maintained a strong connection with our Jewish community, being connected throughout his life stages with our synagogues.

“VAJEX are excited that they will also be honouring Monash in October this year by re-instating the annual commemoration of his passing.”

St Kilda Shule senior rabbi Yaakov Glasman also attended and spoke with ADF members.

“It was particularly meaningful to speak with the soldiers and to share with them Sir John Monash’s deep connection to St Kilda Shule,” Rabbi Glasman said. “They were genuinely interested to learn that this towering figure in Australian history was a longstanding member of our congregation and served on its board from 1920 until his passing in 1931.”

Glasman said the occasion highlighted the way Monash’s Jewish identity sat alongside his commitment to Australia. “There was something very moving about sitting in the Parliament and seeing Monash remembered as one of Australia’s great national figures, while also knowing that he was deeply connected to our own Jewish community.”