Daddy’s proudest day! JLGB chief receives CBE from the King
Joined by his family at Windsor Castle, Neil Martin says: 'I stand on the shoulders of giants'
The chief executive of the JLGB (Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade) charity has received a CBE from the King, describing it as “a deeply humbling moment”.
Neil Martin, who also produces Yom HaShoah UK – the Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial – and chairs the Interfaith Youth Trust, which supports grassroots interfaith projects across the UK, was presented with the honour at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
As chief executive of JLGB (Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade), Martin has led the transformation of one of Britain’s oldest youth movements – expanding access and enabling thousands of young people from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds to participate.
Following the ceremony, Martin said: “This is a deeply humbling moment, not as a personal recognition, but as a reflection of an extraordinary community. It was particularly special to speak to the King about this, and the challenging times we are facing, and to hear of his support.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants. Everything this honour represents has been built by generations of young people, volunteers, partners and families who show up every day with commitment, resilience and belief, determined to be a credit to their community and their country, and to pay it forward to the next generation.”
The award of the CBE prompted praise from senior civic leaders including mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who said: “London is proud of leaders like Neil, whose work has brought communities together, supported young people across our city, and ensured that the lessons of history are never forgotten. His CBE is richly deserved, and I congratulate him on this national recognition.”
Wes Streeting MP added: “Neil has spent two decades strengthening the fabric of British society through youth empowerment, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith understanding. His elevation to CBE is a testament to his tireless service and unwavering commitment to building a more cohesive, resilient and compassionate country.”
The King has a longstanding and warm relationship with the Jewish community, including through Holocaust remembrance, interfaith engagement and as a patron of Jewish organisations including JLGB and most recently, CST.
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