Jews Participate in Coronation Ceremony of Queen Elizabeth

The Jewish community of the British Isles and representatives of Jewish communities throughout the Commonwealth today participated in the ceremonies and festivities accompanying the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, the Jewish communities in the Commonwealth nations participated in local celebrations of the event.

The Jewish personalities present at the ceremony in Westminster Abbey included: Dr. Israel Brodic, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire; elder statesman Lord Samuel; Foreign Undersecretary Lord Reading; Lord Nathan; Lord Cohen; Justice Karminiski; Ewen S. Montagu, Judge Advocate of the Fleet; and Alderman A. Moss, the first Jewish Mayor of the City of Manchester.

Israel’s President Ben Zvi was represented at the coronation by Ambassador Eliahu Elath. Among the distinguished Jewish leaders from the Commonwealth nations were: Sir Archie Michaelis, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria, Australia; Leon Crestohl, Member of the Canadian Parliament; and Samuel Bronfman, president of the Canadian Jewish Congress.

Many of the Jewish leaders were present last night when Chief Rabbi Brodie conducted a special coronation service. He will conduct another such service for Jewish Boy Scouts and Girl Guides June 14. Meanwhile, all leading British Jewish organizations have scheduled special coronation dinners this month.

Since last Saturday all synagogues–Orthodox. Reform and Liberal–have held services where special prayers have been recited for the well-being of the Queen and the people of the Commonwealth. Similar services have been held by Jewish passengers on all British liners and a special prayer prepared by the Chief Rabbi have been circulated by the steamship captains. Messages of loyalty to the Queen have been sent by representative Jewish organizations from all corners of the far-flung British Empire.