Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

Tributes have begun to flow for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away Thursday night (AEST) aged 96.

The Queen was under medical supervision at her summer residence in Scotland after doctors raised concerns about the 96-year-old monarch’s health, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday, as members of the royal family rushed to be at her side.

The Palace made the announcement of her death in a statement later that day. Her death means King Charles III has now ascended to the throne.

On the throne since 1952, when Britain was still rebuilding from the destruction of World War II, she became a global icon of calmness and fortitude through years of political upheaval and social changes at home and abroad.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Jillian Segal called her passing “sad news for millions of people in Britain, Australia and throughout the Commonwealth, and beyond”.

“Throughout her decades of dedicated service, Queen Elizabeth was a steady and reassuring presence through all the vicissitudes of a rapidly changing world.  Her calm and dignified manner, and impressive grasp of British and international affairs, made her an influential, albeit unobtrusive, force for stability and humanity,” Segal said.  “She was a friend to the Jewish people and enjoyed the respect and affection of Australians of all backgrounds and all political affiliations.

“We extend our condolences to her eldest son, and successor, King Charles III, and the entire royal family.  May they find strength and comfort at this sad time. We extend our best wishes to King Charles for a long and peaceful reign.”

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said, “Queen Elizabeth’s rule was defined by her humility, strength and profound sense of service. A role model for millions, she has been in the lives of us all for generations.

“From the moment she became monarch, she reached out to Commonwealth Jewish communities, and maintained a warm relationship with them for her entire reign. We extend our deepest condolences to her family. May her memory be a blessing.”

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council said in a statement it “mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth for an extraordinary 70 years. Her life story exemplified public service and apolitical national and global leadership, and she leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. AIJAC wishes her son and successor King Charles III every success in continuing that legacy”.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion said his organisation joined “Jewish communities around the Commonwealth in mourning” her passing.

“We extend the sympathy of our community to the Royal Family and to all in the United Kingdom, including British Jews, who are grieving this loss,” he said.

“Jewish congregations in Victoria pray each Shabbat for the safety and welfare of the Head of State and all the Royal Family. These prayers were answered, with Her Majesty living a full life that was tirelessly dedicated to service.

“The Jewish community will continue to pray for His Majesty King Charles III to be instilled with a spirit of wisdom and understanding to bring peace on his realm.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the Queen’s passing “the end of an era”.

“She lived history, she made history, and with her passing she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy,” he said.

“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.”

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said “she leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service.”

British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis eulogised the queen as the embodiment of Britain’s “most noble values.”

“Every week we have prayed for her welfare, well-being and wisdom, and she has never let us down,” he said, remembering “the warm relationship” she had with British Jews. “Her affection for the Jewish people ran deep and her respect for our values was palpable.”

The World Jewish Congress said Jewish communities in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth “have flourished and grown in peace and security” while Elizabeth was monarch.

“She and her family were beloved symbols of resistance to Nazi tyranny,” the group’s president Ronald Lauder said in a statement. “Queen Elizabeth’s refusal to flinch in the face of evil, but instead to fight it with every formidable fibre of her character, will be an inspiration for generations to come.”

WITH TIMES OF ISRAEL