Remembering Australian Jews in military service

Major General Emeritus Professor Jeffrey V Rosenfeld AC OBE KStJ, Patron of Australian Jewish Historical Society (AJHS) and Patron of Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia (VAJEX) recently addressed a packed audience at Lamm Jewish Library on the role of Australian Jews in the military and the importance of remembrance.

Jeffrey Rosenfeld is a past Surgeon-General, Australian Defence Force ad a past Director of Monash University Institute of Medical Engineering. He is a distant relative of Sir John Monash and follows in Monash’s footsteps as a citizen soldier, educator, professional, and community leader.

Rosenfeld deplored the escalating antisemitism triggered by October 7, 2023, and the destructive allegation of Jewish separateness from Australian society.

He described the outstanding contributions of Australian Jews in military service.

“I am the patron of Jewish ex-servicemen and women organisations whose purpose is to remember their service and sacrifice in past wars so we may continue to live in a free society. This history is sadly of little interest to many Australians who take for granted our freedom. We should encourage all Australians to learn about and understand the sacrifices made to secure our way of life”.

Rosenfeld identified five notable Jewish servicemen.

Walter Karri Davies offered a VC for outstanding bravery during the Boer War, Lt Leonard Keysor awarded a VC for bravery at the Battle of Lone Pine, Gallipoli in August 1915, Sgt Issy Smith awarded the VC for most conspicuous bravery during battle of Ypres, Belgium April 1915, Dr Stanley Goulston awarded the Military Cross for exceptional service during the Siege of Tobruk 1941, and finally, General Sir John Monash, “arguably our greatest battle commander…   his exceptional leadership on the Western Front in 1917-1918 led to the military defeat of Germany. Monash had fine military leadership qualities- sharp intelligence, a keen analytical mind, meticulous to detail, audacious in battle, took considered risk, and a great empathy for his troops”.

After the war Monash led the Victorian State Electricity Commission, development of the Shrine, and became Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University 1923-1931.

“Monash was an open and proud Jew; a reason antisemitism was limited in Australian society”.

Monash was elected the foundation President of the Zionist Federation of Australia in 1927.

He observed, “We who are living in Australia have a double responsibility both as Jews and citizens to do our share in rebuilding the land of Israel and reviving the cultural and spiritual centre of Judaism.”

He was a member of St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Board and a founding member of VAJEX.

“Monash’s life was one of conviction, commitment, and selfless service to Australia, a lasting inspiration to all Australians”.

Rosenfeld concluded “Lest We Forget”, a plea to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. He urged AJHS and VAJEX to combat antisemitism by telling the story of the Jewish military contribution to Australia.

‘Antisemitism in Australia between 1788 and the present’ by AJHS will be on June 23 at 6:30pm, in the Lamm Jewish Library with Dr Hilary Rubinstein, Emeritus Professor Paul Bartrop, and Professor Philip Mendes.

Contact Professor Andrew Markus if interested in joining AJHS. Andrew.Markus.monash.edu

Professor Leon Mann is director of the Research Leadership Unit at University of Melbourne.