Sunak: ‘Sir Ben Helfgott legacy is the ultimate triumph over darkness’
Ex-PM David Cameron also said he was "privileged" to have "learnt a huge amount" from his time spent with Sir Ben.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has paid tribute to Sir Ben Helfgott saying his legacy “is the ultimate triumph over darkness.’
In a message shared on Twitter the PM wrote:”Sir Ben Helfgott was an inspirational Holocaust survivor, who became a British Olympian, global pioneer of Holocaust education and grandfather to nine grandchildren.
“Ben survived the worst of humanity. His legacy is the ultimate triumph over that darkness.”
Sir Ben Helfgott was an inspirational Holocaust survivor, who became a British Olympian, global pioneer of Holocaust education and grandfather to nine grandchildren.
Ben survived the worst of humanity. His legacy is the ultimate triumph over that darkness. https://t.co/XTXuIGs563
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 16, 2023
Helfgott’s death on Friday sparked an outpouring of tributes from the political world, as well as from communal organisations.
His funeral took place on Friday afternoon at Bushey New Cemetery.
Former prime minister David Cameron also said he was “privileged” to have “learnt a huge amount” from his time spent with Sir Ben.
In a tweet Cameron wrote:”Very sad to hear that Holocaust survivor Sir Ben Helfgott has died.
“I feel privileged to have spent time with him and learnt a huge amount from his experience, testimony and message.”
Former chancellor and home secretary Sajid Javid also expressed his sadness at Sir Ben’s passing writing:”My family mourns the passing of Sir Ben Helfgott. We were so blessed to have him as a friend.
“A survivor of the Holocaust that went on to do so much for Holocaust education. A truly kind and remarkable man. May his memory be a blessing.”
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick tweeted:”I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Ben Helfgott.
“A survivor of the Holocaust and inspirational figure in Holocaust remembrance, he was a truly great and kind man.”
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