Jewish veterans’ association Ajex has issued a plea for young people and families to support its annual remembrance parade and ceremony in Central London on Sunday.

With numbers diminishing of those who served in the fight to defeat Nazism, Ajex is taking steps to ensure that their contribution — and that of UK Jews in other conflicts — continues to be honoured.

JLGB members and a contingent of cadets from JFS will be involved and there will also be representation from Jewish schools and scout groups, a reflection of Ajex’s outreach work in recent years.

Chief executive Fiona Palmer hopes “to see members of the community lining the streets of Whitehall, supporting over 1,000 marchers. This is the only Jewish event that Whitehall is closed for and a very special occasion.”

With the parade falling on Mitzvah Day, she urged: “Make the mitzvah of remembrance.”

One Second World War veteran who will be joining the march to the Cenotaph is Mervyn Kersh from Cockfosters, who turns 98 next month.

Mr Kersh, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, is a parade regular.

He told the JC that he had appealed to the United Synagogue and the Hasmonean schools for support for the march.

“It’s not just about remembrance. It’s a matter of reminding people that Jews take their place in every field — and they do it well.

“Each year there’s fewer servicemen from the Second World War. But there are still those who served in Afghanistan, Korea and the Falklands.”

Catherine Kober, a relative of former Ajex national chair Jack Lewis, will be attending with her extended family, including five of Mr Lewis’s great-grandchildren.

“It’s incredibly important to us that the legacy of those who sacrificed — those who, when called, didn’t hesitate — isn’t forgotten,” she said. “Especially now since, sadly, most are no longer with us. We look forward to this every year.”

National Ajex chair Dan Fox said people would be taking part “in memory of their grandparents, great-grandparents and all of those who have served and are still serving.

“Reaching out to schools is a critical part of ensuring the longevity of the parade and its continued relevance so that history isn’t forgotten and the memory of those who served lives on.”

An estimated 400 to 500 Jews are currently serving in the British forces and a few dozen are expected to take part in the parade.