Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, has been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement released on Thursday, his spokesperson said, “Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has been recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment to aid his recovery.”
“He remains positive and upbeat, and will now spend a period of time focused on the treatment he is receiving from his excellent medical team. He is looking forward to returning to his work as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson continued, “For those who wish to include Rabbi Sacks in their prayers and thoughts, his Hebrew name is HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben Liba.”
The statement did not specify the type of cancer or how severe it is.
Attached is a statement from the Office of Rabbi Sacks. A text version can be read on the thread below. pic.twitter.com/cNUYKDDdQr
— Rabbi Sacks (@rabbisacks) October 15, 2020
Rabbi Lord Sacks was the chief rabbi for the UK from 1991 to 2013. He is considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders alive today and has been nominated for the 2021 Genesis Prize, which is said to be Israel’s version of a Nobel Prize.
We will be praying for his speedy and full recovery as we are sure many people in both the Christian and Jewish communities will be doing.
Below is a video from last year where Rabbi Lord Sacks gave a powerful speech in the House of Lords about anti-Semitism in our society and where it leads to if it remains unchallenged. A reminder of the importance of this man and his role on earth today.
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