The National Jewish Assembly extends its gratitude to Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tzipi Hotovely, for her heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In a video released by the Embassy of Israel in London, Ambassador Hotovely assured the UK public that “Israel stands with you during this sad and difficult time” and offered an anecdote of a warm meeting and sage advice that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had given the ambassador.
Commenting on Ambassador Hotovely’s video, National Jewish Assembly Vice Chairman Steve Winston remarked “Ambassador Hotovely’s heartfelt words, aside from being sincerely appreciated, are so very reflective of the strong and ever-deepening bond between the UK and Israel.”
Mr Winston added, “We thank the Ambassador too for sharing her personal anecdote from when she met Her Majesty the Queen to present her ambassadorial credentials and, in our ever-busy world, I am sure we can all join the Ambassador in taking onboard Her Majesty’s sage advice. We wish King Charles III a long and prosperous reign.”
The National Jewish Assembly commends the Embassy of Israel for its solidarity with the UK people at this difficult time and looks forward to the continued strengthening of the UK-Israel relationship.
Ambassador Hotovely’s full remarks have been transcribed below:
“The State of Israel joins the British people and the Royal family in mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As Britain’s longest reigning monarch, she truly was the UK’s greatest diplomat. For me personally, it has been an enormous privilege to serve as the Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom during the Queen’s reign. Having met the Queen, I know that she had incredible wisdom and a warm and natural gift to connect.
When we walked into this room in Buckingham Palace, presenting my credentials to the Queen, there is one moment I remember. The conversation almost came up to its end, and then my husband asked her, “Your Majesty, can you please share with us one good advice to life? What will be this one advice?”
She thought for a few seconds. She said it’s a tough question, but if I can give you this one advice, it will be please invest in the people that are close to you. Invest in relationships of the people that are dear to you. We take this advice for life from the Queen.
No one will ever forget a conversation with the Queen. No one will forget her great sense of humour and her deep wisdom. I was really privileged to serve here as Israel’s Ambassador under her reign.
Israel stands with you during this sad and difficult time. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with you all.”
May the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II be a blessing.
