Falklands: Service honours Jewish contribution to Armed Forces

A service has been held to honour the Jewish contribution to the Armed Forces including the community's role in the Falkland's conflict.

The Jewish Military Association, known as AJEX, gathered for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic to celebrate and commemorate the contribution of Jewish people to the Armed Forces at the National Memorial Arboretum. The event, held annually, was scaled back due to restrictions last year, and so this was the first time many members had travelled to their association's memorial for some time.

The event in East Staffordshire was attended by currently serving personnel and veterans from the Jewish community. 

• Paratroopers retrace footsteps of predecessors on the Falklands
• Former SAS commander revisits scene of Argentinian surrender negotiation
• The battle for Wireless Ridge and Mount Tumbledown

Staff Sergeant Dan Fox, chairman of the Jewish Military Association, explained the role of the organisation.

He said: "AJEX has existed since really just after World War One, in various forms and we carry the torch of remembrance, of education and welfare for Jewish veterans and work with current Jewish members of the Armed Forces community as well." 

Taking stock of this significant year, the service reflected on 70 years of the Queen's reign and the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. 

The association reflected in particular on the service of one 17-year-old PARA who died on Mount Longdon – Private Jason Burt of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. 

Pte Burt joined The Parachute Regiment after he left school at 16 and was 17 when he served during the Falklands War.  

He died while participating in the Battle of Mount Longdon on 12 June 1982.

The battle was part of an effort by the British to obtain advantageous positions west of Port Stanley, where there was an Argentine garrison. 

Pte Burt is buried, along with several of his comrades, in Aldershot Military Cemetery in Hampshire. 

The service concluded with acts of remembrance, the singing of the national anthem, and a toast to life – a tradition among Jews.