Israel
'She made history': Tributes to The Queen flow in from Israel
Israel's president and prime minister were among the first to pay their respects
September 9, 2022 06:14
Israel's president and prime minister were among the first to pay their respects
September 9, 2022 06:14Israeli officials and citizens expressed their condolences after the Queen’s death was announced.
President Isaac Herzog said in a statement: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known far and wide simply as The Queen. Her passing is the end of an era. Together with the Israeli people, I grieve her loss and extend my deepest sympathies to the British people and all nations of the Commonwealth, who have lost their matriarch.
HM Queen Elizabeth II was known far and wide simply as The Queen. Her passing is the end of an era. Together with the Israeli people, I grieve her loss and extend my deepest sympathies to the British people and all nations of the Commonwealth, who have lost their matriarch. pic.twitter.com/SvTlMyTSyC
He added that she was a “historic figure: she lived history, she made history, and with her passing she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy.”
Prime Minister Yair Lapid tweeted: “On behalf of the Government and people of Israel, I send my condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service. May her memory be a blessing.”
Defence Minister Benny Gantz said via Twitter: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the United Kingdom, and to the loved ones of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen served the international community over 70 years, and under her reign, UK-Israel relations flourished. My thoughts are with the UK today.” Other Israeli politicians added tributes, including Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Transport Minister Merav Michaeli.
Members of the Anglo community in Israel expressed shock and sadness.
Anton Delin, who manages the Brits Living in Israel Facebook community, with more than 9,000 members, told the JC: “She embodied everything wonderful about the United Kingdom. She gave her life to serving her people and she will be sadly missed. Long live the King.”
“I'm very sad about it,” said Tel Aviv resident Sarah Ward, who was born in London and moved to Israel in 2016.
“It's actually broken me a little. She was an incredible woman. She was loved all over the world. I've shed a few tears since I heard the news. It's a very sad day for the British monarchy.”
The new King, her son the former Prince Charles, is widely regarded as a staunch ally of Israel. He last visited Israel in 2020, when he was received by then President Reuven Rivlin. His grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, mother of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is recognised by the Jerusalem Holocaust Museum Yad Vashem as a righteous among the nations for helping to save a Jewish family in Greece during World War II. She is buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
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