Gong- But Not Forgotten

By Justin Cohen - Thursday 18th June 2009


Former Board of Deputies president Henry Grunwald was among a host of community figures celebrating this week after being recognised for their contribution to Anglo-Jewry and wider society in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The barrister, whose second term at the helm ended just two weeks ago, was awarded an OBE for services to the Jewish community and to interfaith relations. "I'm really honoured to receive this award which is as much an award for the Board and the community as it is for me personally," he told the Jewish News.

Top stories

email this page to a friend print this page email the editor buy this content Bookmark and Share
The 59-year-old - who celebrated the accolade with a family tea on Shabbat and with his new World Jewish Relief colleagues during his first meeting as the charity's president - added: "I think that in recent years we've made great strides in the connections that we've made with other faith communities and although there is much work to be done, each of the faiths have benefited from the closer relations that we now enjoy with each other."

Also on this year's list, which included Vidal Sassoon (CBE) and Random House chair Gail Rebuck (now Dame Gail), was Simon Winters, who served JNF UK for 16 years including 12 as chief executive while also raising funds for a number of other good causes in Britain and Israel. Recognised for services to the voluntary sector, the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue member said: "The OBE came as a complete surprise. I'm thrilled that the charitable work has been recognised and I hope it will assist me in opening a few doors in order to help even more people in the future."

Also awarded an OBE for services to the voluntary sector was Jewish News columnist Fiyaz Mughal, who founded interfaith organisation Faith Matters in 2005. "I'm extremely honoured by the award and I feel humbled to have worked with so many good people in so many different communities," said the 37-year-old, who also established Muslims Against Anti-Semitism in 2007.

"It is exceptionally important for Muslims to work with and engage and build friendships with their Jewish brothers and sisters at a time when greater understanding is essential."

Drugsline founder Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin can also look forward to a trip to the Palace after being awarded an MBE. He said last Shabbat was "exciting and nerve-wracking", while he awaited confirmation of the award from a congregant at Chabad Centre in Gants Hill who had seen that day's newspapers. It was only then that an announcement was made to rest of the congregation.

"People were really elated. We danced around the bimah." Saying that the citation "recognises all the efforts provided for the community and beyond from the Chabad Centre and not just for the Jewish community", Sufrin added: "I'm very excited and humbled. I see this as a recognition for the very dedicated team of colleagues and support workers that make the service the first class service it is."

Drugsline, Hatzola and Chizuk are among the organisations for which fellow MBE recipient David Segelman has volunteered. The former teacher at Lubavitch Senior Girls' School and carer at a residential home for those with learning disabilities was honoured for services to the Jewish community in north London.

Another prominent community leader to be recognised was Joy Wolfe, awarded an MBE for services to the community in Greater Manchester. Her vast list of roles and achievements within the community include co-president of the Zionist Federation and chair of governors at Langdon College, while she was also a founder of the Stockport Multiple Sclerosis Society and served as a JP for 24 years until this year. Expressing her delight at the award, she said: "Having been in voluntary work for over 50 years it is very rewarding to receive this recognition, which although never sought or expected, is nevertheless very much appreciated."

Also among those honoured were June Jacobs (CBE) for services to human rights and to interfaith relations and Professor Graham Zellick (CBE) for services to the administration of justice.

Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.

Bookmark and Share