We feel extremely privileged to have interviewed Jewish veterans and family members of veterans who have served or are currently serving in the British armed forces. Through AJEX, this opportunity provided us with valuable insight into the Jewish experience of the British armed forces, and we learned that antisemitism in the army is not as common as one may predict it to be. In fact, other soldiers often demonstrated increased respect and interest for their Jewish colleagues.

This was very interesting to learn, and perhaps a fact that should be shared as a means of encouragement – the veterans interviewed all felt that they represented the Jewish community in the military world. The experiences of those being interviewed were vast. We spoke to a surgeon who practised in the context of battle, and learnt that most wounds he treated were disease and sickness related, rather than injury related. Of course, it was particularly insightful to hear first-hand descriptions of the 6-day war in 1967, and another interviewee spoke of his experiences of living in London during the Blitz.

Many questions were addressed to Dan Fox, who is still serving in the military, and he answered questions regarding confidentiality. He taught us of a 30-year “mark” that should be passed before soldiers share details of their experiences, and described the various rankings of the army and ways in which ranking is prohibited from speaking of their experiences. Another interviewee described his time in submarines and gliders, and revealed that he would often return from missions unable to speak of them to his family. He said that this was difficult, but also very necessary.

Some questions surrounded the veterans’ feelings towards their experiences. A common denominator of all those interviewed was their warm feeling towards their former or current colleagues, who they referred to as their “brothers.” Each of them spoke fondly of their memories, and described the friendships that serving in the British military evoked. Overall, this was a rare and extremely interesting experience, which we found both intellectually stimulating and heart-warming.

Thank you to Mrs Yaros for rising to the challenge of Zoom and creating this event.

Written by Alyssa T, Year 13

One of our Year 9 student, Maya, has been selected as the winner in the secondary category of the Jewish News Young Writers Competition. This is an annual competition where students are asked to write a short story with a given title. This year, the title was ‘Article – The Gauntlet – Entry for Jewish News Young Writers Competition’, and Maya wrote a moving essay based on her own experience.

There will be an in-person awards ceremony for winners and runners-up from both categories and their families in October.

Congratulations to Maya!

Congratulations to everyone who took the Intermediate Biology Olympiad but in particular to:

Sarah E and Dov S- Commended

Talia G, Chaim S and Noam D – Highly Commended

Gabriella S and Avital L – Bronze medal

Reuven Simcha G – Silver medal

Aliza W and Avital O – Gold medal!

 

This is a huge achievement for our students. Thank you to the Biology Department for their dedication and support.

 

Eighty-four students from Years 7-9 were rewarded for their high level of attendance at optional after-school kodesh EXTRA learning sessions. Their reward was a day at Thorpe Park, and the glorious sunshine made it extra special!

Their dedication to Kodesh is wonderful: thank you to the Kodesh team for inspiring our students and to the Kodesh EXTRA team for delivering this programme.

The girls had a wonderful day in the sunshine: Eliana A said that she ‘had a whale of a time, particularly enjoying the more stomach churning rides!’ Malka G enjoyed the Zodiac Ride, which was somewhat hair-raising, since there were no seat belts!

The accompanying teachers: Miss Simonsson, Miss Liley, Mrs Epton, and the HIPE team also had a great day in the sun with the girls.

The Music Department held its second Boys’ concert via Zoom and over 70 people attended online.

The concert offered a wide variety of music and genres, from solo piano pieces to guitar and voice, plus guitar solos and a GCSE Year 11 composition performance. The performers ranged from Years 7-12 and, for some of our younger students it was the first time they had performed in public.

Huge Mazal Tov to all our wonderful young men who took great pride in their performances and worked so hard to prepare!

Thank you to the wonderful Mr Tutty who was the trusted technician and moral support in both the rehearsals and the running of the concert. Huge thanks to all the peripatetic staff for helping our students to achieve the high standard of playing that we heard last night.

Next concert – LIVE in the school hall as life returns to normal!