Jewish religious leaders among guests at Prince Philip thanksgiving ceremony

Jewish religious leaders were among the invited guests to attend a service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, as the great and the good paid tribute to The Queen’s husband who died last year.

Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue (EHRS), represented the Movement for Reform Judaism as she joined interfaith and interdenominational colleagues to remember His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in an emotional service.

Due to Covid restrictions in place at the time, the numbers allowed to attend his funeral last year were heavily restricted, the event later becoming known for moving images of The Queen sat alone in the pews.

On Twitter, Young-Somers shared a photo of the Duke’s visit to Akiva School 20 years ago, adding: “It was a privilege this morning to represent @ReformMovement… The service was beautiful in its honouring of the Prince and the legacy he leaves.”

She said it was “particularly moving” to hear the testimony of 28-year-old Doyin Sonibare – who holds the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards – as she talked about the influence on her life that the Prince had had.

Last week, a spokesman for Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said he had tested positive for Covid-19 and as a consequence his upcoming appointments had been cancelled