The Jewish community has paid a solemn tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, following the announcement of her death.
Each week Jewish communities have prayed for the Queen “to be blessed with wisdom and understanding, that she advance the welfare of our nation, and that she be preserved in life”.
She is said to have had a warm relationship with British Jews throughout her reign, engaging with community leaders throughout. She was loved and respected in return.
The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis paid tribute in a video on social media, saying Queen Elizabeth II was the rock of stability and a champion of timeless values: “The Queen embodied the most noble values of British society.
“Throughout her extraordinary reign she conducted herself with grace, dignity and humility and was a global role model for distinguished leadership and selfless devotion to society.
“In death may her memory and legacy be for an everlasting blessing”.
On her 90th birthday in 2016, the former chief rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, said she was someone “whose greatness speaks across ethnic and religious divides… Her contribution to British society is immeasurable and the respect she has shown for all religions has enriched our lives.”
When her death was announced, the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: “No words can fully describe the extent of our nation’s loss. Her Majesty’s wisdom, benevolence and dedication to duty served as an inspiration to generations of British citizens, including our community. May Her memory be for blessing”.
The late Queen was Patron of the Council of Christians and Jews from the moment of her accession 1952 until the end of her life.
Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain of Maidenhead Synagogue told the RMC this was a signal to the tolerant pluralist society she wished to encourage.
He said: “Her official title may be “Defender of the faith”, referring exclusively to the Church of England, but in reality her reign has seen all faiths flourish.”
The Queen was also Patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust from its inception in 2005. Its Chief Executive Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, said the Queen’s personal commitment and dedication will be enormously missed: “Her consistent support for the work of the Trust held profound meaning, not only for survivors of the Holocaust and genocide, but also for all those who could see the highest possible value placed on Holocaust and genocide commemoration and education”.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “We are grateful for an extraordinary monarch who led our country through good times and bad over a lifetime spent in service, acting as a rock and inspiration to her subjects and the world”.
Liberal Rabbi Rene Pfertzel, co-chair of the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors tweeted: “The end of an era. An extraordinary human being. May she rest in peace.”
