Stephen Daisley Stephen Daisley

Challenging anti-Semitism is a moral imperative for non-Jews

(Photo: Getty)

One of the functions of the honours system is to articulate our principles and priorities. Amid the cringe cronyism and inexplicable baubles for even more inexplicable mainstays of public life (Sir Chris Bryant, Lord preserve us), there are the nods to good people doing good work, whether in their community, the charity sector, industry, research or other areas of public life. In acknowledging their efforts, we say something about what we value as a nation: bravery, excellence, compassion, innovation and public service. These are our ideals and we want those who practise them to be rewarded — and emulated. 

Anti-Semitism in Britain reflects a mightier tide of anti-Jewish hatred sweeping the globe

So in bestowing honours on Ephraim Mirvis, Marie van der Zyl, Jonathan Arkush, Mark Gardner and Rachel Riley, we are saying not only that these Britons have made exemplary contributions but that we as a nation wish to be known by their example.  

This is understandable. Mirvis, who received a knighthood, is the Chief Rabbi, the spiritual figurehead of Orthodox Judaism in Britain and the Commonwealth. Throughout a life of service he has taught but also lived the Torah, with an emphasis on achrayut, a Hebrew term for the responsibility one bears to others. As Chief Rabbi, Mirvis has conscientiously pursued interfaith relations with Christians and Muslims and has spoken against China’s treatment of the Uyghurs.  

Van der Zyl, awarded an OBE, is president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Along with her predecessor Jonathan Arkush, who also becomes an OBE, she led the Board through one of the most testing periods for modern British Jewry: the Labour anti-Semitism scandal. Gardner becomes an MBE for his work as chief executive of the Community Security Trust (CST), a group that supplies Jewish schools and synagogues with safety equipment including CCTV cameras, security doors and anti-ramming bollards.

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