Duke of Cambridge tells British Jews during charity event, ‘Your commitment and loyalty to one another, and to society more widely, is ultimately what keeps you strong.’
Britain’s Prince William praised the Jewish community’s unity last week during his first-ever speaking engagement at a Jewish event, the European Jewish Press reports.
Addressing 1,500 guests on the occasion of the Jewish Care’s 25th anniversary dinner in London, the Duke of Cambridge said: “During a year when many in the Jewish community have had cause to feel under threat, for no reason other than simply the fact of your Jewishness, your unity is all the more precious. Your commitment and loyalty to one another, and to society more widely, is ultimately what keeps you strong.”
He added that British Jews deserved “particular praise” for caring for one another and for their generosity throughout history.
“This common thread through history – of caring for one another and generosity of time and money – is something that many sectors of British society can be rightly proud of. But you in this room deserve particular praise. The results of your commitment to one another within the Jewish community are obvious – the real and loving care that thousands of elderly and vulnerable people receive, among the many works that you carry out,” he said.
The Jewish Care, the largest health organization serving the Jewish community in London and South East, operates a Holocaust Survivors Center that William said serves as “a second home” to its residents, according to EJP. He also wished the organization “Mazal Tov” on its milestone anniversary.
Lord Levy, Jewish Care’s president, recalled in his speech how William’s father Prince Charles and late mother, Princess Diana had been guests of the charity on three different occasions.
“You and your family are very special to our community,” he was quoted by EJP as saying. “Every Shabbat and every big festival prayers are given and blessings said for Her Majesty and the whole Royal Family.”
Lord Levy also mentioned the importance of Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming visit to the Bergen Belsen concentration camp. The dinner was attended by some of the Nazi camp’s survivors.
Source: YNetNews