BBUK represented at the VJ 80th Anniversary Service

Eve Swabe • August 20, 2025

BBUK's representatives were honoured to be invited to attend

Alan Miller, BBUK National President, together with his wife Edna, plus Eve and Tony Swabe representing BBUK, were honoured to have been invited to the VJ Day 80th Anniversary Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving on Sunday, 17 August 2025 which AJEX were co-hosting with New West End Synagogue, St Petersburgh Place. Many other members of B'nai B'rith were also invited because of their links with AJEX.

VJ Day marked the official end of World War II and the service honoured the Jewish men and women who served in Southeast Asia, often under harrowing and inhumane conditions. Many continued to fight, or suffer as prisoners of war, long after Europe celebrated its victory in May 1945.

There were inspirational words from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis reflecting on the enduring lessons of WWII and their urgent relevance in today’s world of turmoil. Plus speakers from the Presidents of the NWE Synagogue and the United Synagogues, as well as from members of AJEX.

In between the speeches and eulogies, the Mosaic Voices Choir sang beautifully and most movingly, with the Last Post played by a bugler from the JLGB.

The photo is courtesy of the AJEX website https://www.ajex.org.uk/Poignantserviceofremembrancevjday

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