Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, dies aged 96
Jewish communities in Britain and around the world pay tribute after Buckingham Palace announced she died peacefully at Balmoral
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, has died at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace said she passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday afternoon.
A statement continued: “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Thursday’s announcement came several hours after palace officials said her doctors were “concerned” and had recommended she remain under medical supervision.
Jewish leaders had offered prayers for the Queen amid rising fears for her health.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “On behalf of the Jewish communities of the Commonwealth, I convey our most profound condolences on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“The Queen embodied the most noble values of British society. Throughout her extraordinary reign she conducted herself with grace, dignity and humility, and was a global role model for distinguished leadership and selfless devotion to society. In an ever-changing world, she was a rock of stability and a champion of timeless values.
“Her affection for the Jewish people ran deep, and her respect for our values was palpable. In life she was rightly admired and loved the word over; in death may her memory and legacy be for an everlasting blessing.”
The Board of Deputies, which represents synagogues and Jewish communities the country, said: “No words can fully describe the extent of our nation’s loss.
“Her Majesty’s wisdom, benevolence and dedication to duty served as an inspiration to generations. May Her memory be for a blessing.”
On behalf of the Government and people of Israel, I send my condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
She leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service.
May her memory be for a blessing. pic.twitter.com/ZWm26wiVKx
— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) September 8, 2022
The Spanish & Portuguese Sephardi Community said the Queen’s reign “embodied the ideals of service and dedication to the people of this country of whom we have long been proud to be a part.”
— S&P Sephardi (@sandpuk) September 8, 2022
Rabbi Charley Baginsky of Liberal Judaism said: “The Queen was a shining example to us all. She was a great friend to the Jewish community, tireless in her charity work and a strong female leader in a world where that wasn’t common. At Liberal Judaism we will continue to follow her example. We send our deepest condolences to The Queen’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all the Royal Family. May her memory be a blessing.
Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh, Dean of Leo Baeck College, said: “The Governors, faculty, staff and students of Leo Baeck College join the many millions in the United Kingdom and abroad mourning the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
We record our abiding gratitude for her long life of service, and the stability that her reign has offered to so many. We send our sincere condolences to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are mourning the loss of a beloved matriarch. We stand with them in their grief at her death.”
Chief Rabbi: In death may her memory and legacy be for an everlasting blessing.
AJEX’s national chairman Dan Fox said: “The Queen was a unique public servant and an inspiration to her subjects throughout the world. We are particularly grateful at AJEX, the Jewish Military Association, for her support for servicemen and women and veterans, including her annual message marking our own Annual Parade. Many Jewish veterans were honoured to meet her during her 70-year reign. Our thoughts are with her children, grandchildren and great grand-children. And may her memory be as a blessing for the whole nation.”
World Jewish Congress praised her impact on Jewish communities around Britain, noting that “during her 70-year reign, Jewish communities in Great Britain, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and across the Commonwealth have flourished and grown in peace and security.”
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