Chief Rabbi holds talks with King Charles over Israel crisis at Buckingham Palace
Rabbi Mirvis also has meeting with Labour leader Keir Starmer over impact of Hamas terrorist atrocities on community
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has held talks with King Charles at Buckingham Palace to discuss the horror of events in Israel.
He held a separate meeting on Thursday with the Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Charles welcomed Rabbi Mirvis for a private audience in the London royal residence on Thursday amid Israel’s continued response to the terrorist outrage committed by Hamas.
It is understood talks also involved efforts to support interfaith harmony in Britain in distressing and difficult times.
The King personally expressed his deep care and concern for the Jewish community in the UK who are suffering grief, fear and anguish.
Following the meeting, Sir Ephraim said the King’s words offer strength to the Jewish community “at this dark time”.
In a statement, he said: “At a time when Jews around the world are grieving following the unspeakable evil perpetrated against loved ones in Israel, I want to thank His Majesty King Charles III for expressing in person his deep concern, and his support for the Jewish community. His words of comfort and solidarity give us strength at this dark time.”
It a separate meeting Chief Rabbi also met with Labour leader Keir Starmer for further talks at his Westminster office.
Thank you @Keir_Starmer for standing with Israel and the Jewish Community. Your unequivocal support is a source of great comfort to us. https://t.co/xherDuiZW1
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) October 12, 2023
Starmer said he had given Rabbi Mirvis “my unwavering support to the Jewish community in the UK and in the state of Israel.”
In response, the Chief Rabbi said;”Your unequivocal support is a source of great comfort to us.”
The meeting with Charles’ took place one day after his condemnation of Hamas’ “barbaric acts of terrorism” in Israel attacks at the weekend, with the Palace saying the King is being actively updated on developments.
The King also spoke to Israeli President Isaac Herzog by telephone on Wednesday, offering his thoughts and prayers to all those suffering.
Charles, head of the Church of England, greeted the Chief Rabbi in the King’s Audience Room at the Palace.
The pair are friends and the Chief Rabbi took part in the King’s coronation in May, greeting him in unison with faith leaders at the end of the service.
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