Chief Rabbi awarded honorary degree at Middlesex University

Jewish leader praises institution as a 'real partner' of the community, as he accepts the prestigious accolade

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has been awarded an honorary degree at Middlesex University London, which he praised as “a real partner” of the Jewish community.

Mirvis, now in his fifth year as Chief Rabbi, visited the University in April, telling Jewish students that Judaism needed to also be outward-facing, encompassing both “drawbridge up” and “drawbridge down” ideologies if it is to be successful.

Receiving his award from Middlesex, he said: “This is a great honour which I am privileged to accept on behalf of the wider Jewish community, which has so often found in Middlesex University a real partner in social and communal responsibility. I look forward to cultivating that warm relationship for many years to come.”

Vice-Chancellor Tim Blackman said: “I am delighted that we are honouring Chief Rabbi Mirvis this week. As exceptional achievers in their fields, our honorary graduates are role models for our ambitious students and it’s a great privilege to welcome them to the Middlesex family to be part of our future success.”

Media lawyer Mark Lewis, who stopped the Al-Quds Day March for an hour by blocking the route with his wheelchair, was also given an honorary degree.

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