Elizabeth II, Queen of Britain, Dies at 96

September 13, 2022

King Charles III Promises 'Lifelong Service' in First Address as Monarch

Israeli Leaders Eulogize Britain's 'Matriarch'

Jewish Organizations Pay Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty, The Queen ~ 1926-2022 | Vision for Israel

WJC Head Lauder: Queen Elizabeth Was Symbol of Resistance Against Nazis

Rev. Franklin Graham Reacts to Queen Elizabeth's Passing: 'True Friend of Christian Faith'

Tory Peer Expresses Regret Queen Never Had Chance to Visit Israel

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Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace officials announced Thursday evening, September 8. 

The announcement comes after the Queen’s doctors said earlier Thursday they "are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remains under medical supervision," a notice from Buckingham Palace said. Hours later, members of the royal family flew to Aberdeen, continuing on to the Queen at Balmoral Castle. 

On Tuesday, September 6, amid concerns for the Queen’s condition, British officials arranged for Boris Johnson’s resignation as prime minister, and Liz Truss’ appointment as his successor, to take place at the Queen’s residence in the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral – the first time the Scottish castle has been used for a transition of power in the British government. A day later, the Queen postponed a meeting with senior government officials, after her doctor advised her to take it easy and rest. 

The longest-lived and longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, from February 1952 until her death. Queen Elizabeth is also the second longest reigning sovereign monarch in recorded history, with a reign less than two years shorter than that of France’s King Louis XIV. 

At 73, prior to his mother's passing, King Charles was the oldest heir apparent in British history, and was the first in line to the throne since 1958, making him the longest-serving Prince of Wales ever. With Queen Elizabeth's death, Prince Charles became king immediately, even before the formal coronation ceremony. (INN / VFI News)

“Lord, we rejoice in knowing that the Queen heard, ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant’ and may she may rest in peace after 70 years of faithful service.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

King Charles III on Friday, September 9, addressed the nations for the first time as monarch, having immediately become King the previous day, with the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. 

“Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - my beloved Mother - was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother,” he said. “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today,” added the King. "I pay tribute to my mother's memory...I know her death brings great sadness to so many of you, and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all." 

The King pledged to uphold the “constitutional principles at the heart of our nation” as the Queen did “with such unswerving devotion”. He said the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen inspired “became the hallmark of her reign”, adding, “As every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.” 

The King said his life “will of course change” as he takes up his new responsibilities as monarch, announcing that his son and heir, Prince William, succeeds him as Duke of Cornwall. “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty,” he added. (INN / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you help the British people heal from the immense loss of their Queen, and assist King Charles III to follow in his mother’s footsteps.”

Israeli leaders offered their condolences to the British royal family Thursday, September 8, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. 

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known far and wide simply as The Queen,” President Isaac Herzog said in a statement Thursday night. “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.” 

"Queen Elizabeth was a historic figure: she lived history, she made history, and with her passing, she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy.” 

"As the eleventh President of the State of Israel during Her Majesty's long reign, and on behalf of the whole State and people of Israel, I express my condolences to the Royal Family, to the King and the Queen Consort, to the people of the United Kingdom, and to all nations of the Commonwealth.” 

"Throughout her long and momentous reign, the world changed dramatically, while the Queen remained an icon of stable, responsible leadership, and a beacon of morality, humanity, and patriotism. In her life and in her service to her people, the Queen embodied a spirit of integrity, duty, and ancient tradition.” 

"My late mother and father had several audiences with the Queen over the years. Her fond welcome and warm hospitality left a profound impression down the generations." 

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 for a blessing." 

Alternate Prime Minister and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett lauded Queen Elizabeth II as a “caring and thoughtful leader”. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, friends, and the people of the United Kingdom as they mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Bennett said. 

“For the past 70 years, Her Majesty has served as a figure of dignity, honor, and stability for her country and for the world. The people of Israel are grateful for Her Majesty’s service and hope she may rest in peace.” “She served her people throughout her days and will be remembered forever as a caring and thoughtful leader.” 

Transportation Minister and Labor Party chairwoman Merav Michaeli called the Queen a “larger than life” figure. “Condolences to the Royal Family and the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a woman larger than life who exemplified leadership and responsibility to her people and to her country. The unique relationship between the State of Israel and the United Kingdom and the Royal Family's personal connections to our country will continue to strengthen and flourish in the reign of King Charles III.” (INN / VFI News)

“God, we thank you for gifting the world with such a wise, loyal, faithful royal, as Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The loss that her people suffer is immeasurable, and we offer our sincerest condolences, along with a helping hand should they need it.”

Jewish organizations on Thursday, September 8, paid tribute to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96. 

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder said, “The World Jewish Congress and its more than 100 Jewish communities across the globe join the nation and people of the United Kingdom, and British Jewry in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, during whose 70-year reign Jewish communities in Great Britain, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth have flourished and grown in peace and security. Queen Elizabeth’s was a life of service and faith, in which love of country, Commonwealth, God, and family was the supreme value.” 

“She and her family were beloved symbols of resistance to Nazi tyranny, refusing to leave London during the worst times of the Blitz and standing in solidarity under siege with their compatriots.” 

“On behalf of Jewish communities across the globe, I extend our deepest condolences to her family, and to the nation and people of the United Kingdom. May her memory and her example be for a blessing,” he concluded. 

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), stated, “Together, Chief Rabbi Mirvis and the UK Jewish community, the Conference of the European Rabbis, its President Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, and the chairman of its Standing Committee Dayan Menachem Gelley join mourning the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Her dignified, devoted leadership will endure as an exemplary model for all. May her family find comfort.” (INN / VFI News)

“God, we are grateful for Queen Elizabeth II’s many blessings to the Jewish communities worldwide. She was a true, faithful ally, and we hope that her unparalleled work and protection will not be forgotten or disputed in the future. The Jewish communities around the world are deeply saddened by Her Majesty’s loss, and offer their condolences and respect to her people.”

In Memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on Thursday, September 8th, 2022. We pray for comfort for the royal family and for Great Britain in the passing of England’s longest-reigning monarch.

Her Majesty, The Queen ~ 1926 - 2022

Following the passing of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II, The World Jewish Congress expressed its condolences over her death.

She has been, according to WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, a source of both inspiration and comfort to many throughout her entire life, from Anne Frank in her hiding place in Amsterdam, to just a few years ago in 2015, when she and her late husband Prince Philip “visited the former Nazi concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen in northern Germany, where Anne Frank died, to commemorate its liberation by British troops.” 

Anne received a postcard with a photograph of the 10-year-old Princess Elizabeth from her aunt in May 1937. She later put it on the wall of her hiding place in the annex and wrote in her diary about Elizabeth when the future queen celebrated her 18th birthday in June 1944, two months before Anne’s hiding place was revealed.

“Queen Elizabeth’s refusal to flinch in the face of evil, but instead to fight it with every formidable fiber of her character will be an inspiration for generations to come,” Lauder said. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you let all nations be aware of Queen Elizabeth’s II actions against Nazism, so that people are not only aware of her kind, just, loyal nature, but also are enabled to emulate those invaluable traits.”

Rev. Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse as well, shared the following reaction to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," said Rev. Graham in an emailed message to a media outlet on Thursday afternoon, September 8. 

"She has been a symbol of stability and steadfastness for the United Kingdom for 70 years," he also said. "And I’m asking people to join me in praying for the royal family and the people of the U.K." Rev. Franklin Graham added, "I will always appreciate her example of leadership and her life of integrity."

He said as well, "I’m especially grateful for the Queen’s friendship with my father Billy Graham. He cherished their friendship that was built on a shared love for Jesus Christ and belief in God’s Word." 

Rev. Graham added, "My father had the privilege of meeting with the Queen more than a dozen times, and she was a gracious host, inviting my parents to visit Buckingham Palace on several occasions."

"My father said he found Queen Elizabeth ‘to be a woman of rare modesty and character,’ and made a pledge to pray for her and her family every day." (FNews / VFI News)

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.  God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you”. - Romans 1:7-9

Conservative Friends of Israel honorary president Lord Polak delivered a heartfelt tribute to the Queen during a speech in the House of Lords in which he expressed regret that she was never able to visit Israel. 

The Tory peer recited parts of both the Prayer for The Royal Family and Psalm 116 in Hebrew as he spoke on Friday, September 9, as tributes were made to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in both Houses. 

Lord Polak revealed he had once discussed with Princess Anne how the Royal Family were “prohibited from visiting Israel by the Foreign Office.” 

He recalled that on June 26, 2016, he was at a fundraising event at the Princess Royal’s home. During a conversation with the royal host, Lord Polak said: “We agreed that as someone who was deeply religious and God-fearing it was sad, it is sad, that she never walked down the Via Dolorosa into the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. She never visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem or the tranquil peace of the Sea of Galilee.” 

Earlier, Lord Polak had said, “on an occasion like today, I think we miss the Lord Sacks who would have known exactly what to say.” He then told the Lords that “one prayer” will be said in English at synagogues tomorrow. 

Lord Polak read out last Shabbat’s version with the late Her Majesty’s name in it and revealed it would now change to His Majesty. (JNews / VFI News)

Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. - Proverbs 20:28

On the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen, below are some articles from occasions on which Rabbi Sacks paid tribute to her lifelong service to the country. The trustees of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy send their condolences to The Royal Family. 

“The Queen has spoken gently to the better angels of our nature. Hers has been the quiet heroism of service, the dignity of dedication to the common good, the good that’s so much bigger and nobler than self-interest.”— Rabbi Sacks zt”l.

The Queen is Defender of all Britain’s Faiths (published in the Times on May 31, 2012):

The day was January 27, 2005, the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and the place of St James’s Palace. The Queen was meeting a group of Holocaust survivors. When the time came for her to leave, she stayed. And stayed. One of her attendants said that he had never known her to linger so long after her scheduled departure. She gave each survivor — it was a large group — her focused, unhurried attention. She stood with each until they had finished telling their personal story. It was an act of kindness that almost had me in tears. One after another, the survivors came to me in a kind of trance, saying: “Sixty years ago I did not know if I would be alive tomorrow, and here I am today talking to the Queen.” It brought a kind of blessed closure into deeply lacerated lives. 

Faith Communities and the Diamond Jubilee Speech in the House of Lords, May 2012:

It is not easy for any society to undergo change, least of all when that change touches on such fundamental markers of identity as religion, ethnicity, and culture. It is even harder in a nation where there is an established church, to make the members of other faiths feel welcomed, valued, and at home. But that is precisely what her Majesty has done, and I believe I speak for all of us if I say that we are lifted, blessed, and enlarged by the generosity of spirit in which she has done so. (INN / VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.
 
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