New permanent military exhibition at the Sydney Jewish Museum
The Sydney Jewish Museum, in conjunction with NAJEX (NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association), is proud to announce that it is developing a new permanent exhibition on the Jewish contribution to the Australian armed services.
The shul in Chanhi
Records show that Jewish involvement commenced with the Volunteer Rifles in the 1850s and that there has been consistent representation by Jewish men and women through the Boer War, World Wars I and II, Malaya, Korea and Vietnam and with peacekeeping forces in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq. There are a number of Jewish personnel in the armed forces today.
Whilst the most renowned Jewish soldier was Sir John Monash, the Museum is aware of many others who served with distinction in all spheres of action and at all ranks. The forthcoming exhibition is interested in all aspects of service over all periods. Themes under consideration include: enlistment, personalities, chaplains and religion, home front, mateship, humour, bravery, medicine, returned soldiers, as well as the services: navy, army, air force; individual units such as Dunera/ the 8th Employment Company and specific arenas of action such as Gallipoli and Kokoda.
In order to develop the exhibition, the Museum is currently seeking information, objects and related material as well as conducting interviews with ex-service personnel. Members of the community who are able to assist the Museum are invited to phone the Museum on 9360 7999 and to make an appointment with curatorial staff. The Museum will be conducting an information and object assessment day on Thursday 15 October for people to visit the Museum for a preliminary meeting and to view their objects and material. Appointments are essential, so please phone the Museum to arrange a suitable time. Interviews can also be conducted on that day.
