Tributes to outgoing Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub

There were superlatives aplenty this week as the community bid a fond farewell to outgoing Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub.

The envoy, who is returning to Israel after four years in London, was honoured at a party organised by the Board of Deputies l on Tuesday, in the last leg of a marathon round of farewells over the past month.

Board President Jonathan Arkush said he had been “by every standard an exceptional ambassador. He is a polymath who has excelled in putting Israel’s case with erudition, reasonableness and skill. His lightness of touch mingled with humour have won over many who initially thought they were opposed to Israel’s point of view”.

Amb Taub thanks @BoardofDeputies & entire Jewish community for support of #Israel. Plus vital gift for his return! pic.twitter.com/gyvgwhIKk8

— Embassy of Israel (@IsraelinUK) July 28, 2015

The JLC’s Simon Johnson said: “Daniel used his affability, his knowledge and his intellect to build a close and mutually supportive relationship with the UK Jewish community. He has been a credit to the State of Israel and we wish him only success on his return.”

Zionist Federation director Alan Aziz, who is also leaving his post to head JNF UK, also hailed the diplomat’s “huge impact” ahead of an event put together by both organisations. He said: “defending Israel in this country ca sometimes feel like an uphill struggle, but it’s a testament to Daniel Taub’s wit and energy that he made standing up for the Jewish state seem as easy and natural as it really ought to be. He’s had a huge impact, and we’re extremely grateful for all that he achieved and for his and Zehava’s friendship while they were with us.”