Chief Rabbi extends ‘every blessing’ to new PM Rishi Sunak
In message to the prime minister, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis noted 'the appointment of the first British PM from a minority faith community is a proud milestone in British history.'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has extended “every blessing” to new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak adding he leads the nation “in such profoundly difficult circumstances.”
Rabbi Mirvis also noted that “the appointment of the first British PM from a minority faith community is a proud milestone in British history.”
The chief rabbi tweeted his message to the new PM shortly after Sunak had been to see King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where he was officially appointed in his role.
Sunak used his first speech as prime minister to warn the UK is in the grips of an “economic crisis” as he vowed to fix “mistakes” made by Liz Truss and win back voters’ trust.
He warned there would be “difficult decisions to come” in an attempt to regain economic stability and avoid mass borrowing mounting up.
I’d like to extend every blessing to @RishiSunak as he becomes leader of the Conservative Party & our Prime Minister, in such profoundly difficult circumstances. The appointment of the first British PM from a minority faith community is a proud milestone in British history. https://t.co/sXnPiQa9x4
— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) October 25, 2022
Communal groups including the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council also sent congratulatory messages to the new PM.
The JLC said the were hoping to work with Sunak on a “full range of policy issues.”
The Board sent their best wishes and said they looked forward to meeting the PM at the “earliest opportunity to discuss key issues.”
From Israel, PM Yair Lapid tweeted “congratulations” to the new PM adding “Israel and the United Kingdom are close allies.”
He continued:” We share not only mutual interests, but an unwavering commitment to democratic values. I look forward to working together to shape a stronger, safer future for both our countries and peoples.”
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