Dr Lionel Kopelowitz, a former president of the Board of Deputies and widely respected communal figure, has died at the age of 92.

He was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne but grew up in Durham. 

As well as serving as the President of the Board, acted as its Father in his later years.

He was educated at Clifton and Cambridge and practised as a physician, serving on the council of the British Medical Association.

He was president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews from 1985–91 and was also president of the National Council for Soviet Jewry in the same period.

President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our Senior Past President and Father of the Board, Dr Lionel Kopelowitz. 

“Lionel was a doughty fighter for Jewish causes… In recent years he remained active in the Board of Deputies and other causes, including serving as a Vice President of the Council of Christians and Jews. 

“He was a forceful figure with strong views and he was extremely generous in his advice and time with me. His passionate commitment to the Jewish people was evident until his sad passing. I will miss him. We will miss him.

"We pass our love, admiration and gratitude to his widow Sylvia and to all the family.”