With just under a week to go before this year’s Yom HaShoah, the man charged with organising the UK commemoration has been invested by His Majesty the King at Windsor Castle.
Neil Martin received his CBE in recognition of his wide-ranging work, which spans youth development, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith relations.
As chair of Yom HaShoah UK, Martin produces the main ceremony, which will take place in central London on April 13, the eve of Yom HaShoah.
He is also chair of the Interfaith Youth Trust and CEO of the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB), one of Britain’s oldest youth movements, whose patron is King Charles III.
Speaking following his investiture, Martin, who was born in Ilford and now lives in South Woodford, said: "This is a deeply humbling moment, not as a personal recognition, but as a reflection of an extraordinary community. It was particularly special to speak to the King about this, and the challenging times we are facing, and to hear of his support.
"I stand on the shoulders of giants. Everything this honour represents has been built by generations of young people, volunteers, partners and families who show up every day with commitment, resilience and belief, determined to be a credit to their community and their country, and to pay it forward to the next generation."
During his time as CEO of JLGB, he has turned the youth movement into a national award-winning organisation, expanding access and enabling thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate. Over 50 per cent of British Jewish teenagers now take part in its Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme.
The announcement of Martin’s CBE led to an outpouring of praise from UK leaders. Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: "Neil has spent two decades strengthening the fabric of British society through youth empowerment, Holocaust remembrance and interfaith understanding. His elevation to CBE is a testament to his tireless service and unwavering commitment to building a more cohesive, resilient and compassionate country."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "London is proud of leaders like Neil, whose work has brought communities together, supported young people across our city, and ensured that the lessons of history are never forgotten. His CBE is richly deserved, and I congratulate him on this national recognition."
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