Governor to become patron of NAJEX
The Governor of NSW David Hurley has agreed to become the patron of the NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women (NAJEX).
The Governor served for 42 years in the Australian Army, reaching the position of Chief of the Defence Force.
He was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2010 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force, and a Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership of the First Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993. This deployment was part of the multinational force in that country charged with establishing a safe environment for conducting humanitarian operations and protecting civilians in an extremely dangerous region.
At the NSW Jewish Community’s Anzac Centenary Commemorative Service last May, Governor Hurley gave an inspiring Anzac Centenary Commemorative Address to the 1100 people who filled the Great Synagogue.
A spokesperson for NAJEX said: “He is a staunch friend of veterans and the Jewish community generally.
NAJEX’s annual Anzac Day commemoration, will be held on Sunday 17th April at the Sydney Jewish Museum at 9.30 am with guest speaker e former Member of Federal Parliament, Colonel Mike Kelly, who also served in Somalia, as well as East Timor, Bosnia and Iraq.
The spokesman added: “NAJEX is educating both Jews and non-Jews about their service and role in history. Our membership is growing again due to the interest of family members, former National Servicemen and others and we welcome anyone interested in joining our ranks, especially Jews currently serving in the ADF.”