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JEWISH BANQUET.

SIR JOHN MONASH HONOURED.

A stirring tribute was paid by the Jewish community to their distinguished compatriot, General Sir John Monash, at a banquet held last evening to celebrate the opening of the Jewish War Memorial building. About 300 persons were present, including many repre-

sentative citizens.

Proposing the toast of General Sir John Monash, Rabbi Cohen referred in enthusiastic and proud terms to the part played in the late war by the members of the Jewish community within the Empire. He referred to Sir John Monash's distinguished career before and dur- ing the war. His name was indelibly engraved on the history of Australian manhood. (Ap- plause.) Away from the fields of battle, already was Sir John's name more deeply graven still upon the honourable record of Australian peace. (Applause.) He would go down in history as the Cincinnatus of Aus-

tralia.

Sir John Monash was cheered and applauded enthusiastically for some minutes upon rising to reply. He first congratulated the organiser on the wonderful success of the morning's function, and expressed the hope that all their desires for the future usefulness of the build- ing would be realised. Passing on to deal with the activities of the Jewish community during the war, he referred to the names of many of his race who had served the Empire with dis- tinction and credit in her hour of trial. The activities of those men had helped to save the Jewish community from much of that malice and persecution which were yet accorded it by some sections. Making reference to the part Australia had played in the war, the speaker said he did not think the A.I.F. tradition would ever die in Australia. (Applause.) Those who had lately seen the trainees of the Citizen Force battalions must realise that in mentality and physique these young men were of the same stamp as the men who had fought in the Great War. It must be remembered also that in addition to their mental and physical equipment, these young men had be- hind them the glorious tradition of the A.I.F. (Applause.) This tradition was first created upon the slopes of Gallipoli by 35,000 to 40,000 Australians, and their gallant deeds served as the inspiration of the 350,000 who followed them. From that point of view alone Galli- poli had been worth while. ( (Applause.) Re- ferring to the recognition given to her sol- diers by Australia, Sir John Monash said that while he had no complaint to make of the ap- preciation accorded him for his services, there were other senior officers of the A.I.F. who had not received the recognition which was their due. These were the men who carried in their safe hands the honour of Australia. The men themselves knew it, and their sound leadership was founded on comradeship, re- spect, and esteem. (Applause. )

The toast of "Our Visitors" was proposed by Mr. S. S. Cohen, and that of "The Day We Celebrate" by Major A. W. Hyman.

Digitisation generously supported by
Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation
Digitisation generously supported by

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