Rabbi Lord Sacks ‘truly humbled’ by honorary doctorate from Hebrew University

Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks is to be given an honorary doctorate by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at its next board of governors’ meeting in June.

The peer and prolific author paid tribute to the University this week, saying its history was “intrinsically intertwined with the establishment of the State of Israel and the development of modern Zionism”.

Sacks’ degree is Doctor of Philosophiae Honoris Causa, which is conferred annually on a select number of “esteemed honourees” from around the world.

“As one of the world’s most respected academic institutions, [the University’s] influence on Israeli society and culture is without parallel,” said Sacks.

“It is for these reasons, among many others, that I am truly humbled by the decision to award me an honorary doctorate, and I look forward to visiting the campus later this year to take part in the ceremony.”

Hebrew University president Professor Asher Cohen said the the degree “recognises personal achievement including in academia, social justice, humanity, solving global challenges, the Jewish People and the State of Israel; in respect of all these criteria, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks is a most worthy recipient”.