I was truly very sorry to read of the passing of Rabbi Lord Sacks. A great thinker, a great teacher and a great human being – who appealed to Jew and Gentile alike to be and do their very best. 

The Jewish community is at the heart of Hertsmere life and as many of you know, it is a real source of pride to me to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. In my time as Hertsmere’s Member of Parliament I have been lucky to meet so many of the Jewish community not just in Hertsmere, but across the country. I know the news of Rabbi Lord Sacks’ passing will have touched every single member of the Jewish community. 

I am honoured to have known Rabbi Lord Sacks – a titan of the Jewish community and an ambassador for this country and beyond. His contribution to Jewish life in the United Kingdom is unparalleled.  

Earlier this year I was privileged to attend the United Synagogues 150th anniversary reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Rabbi Lord Sacks. In his tenure as Chief Rabbi, Lord Rabbi Sacks made an enormous impact in Jewish communities across the country, something I know especially well with several United Synagogue congregations within my constituency.  

But Rabbi Lord Sacks’ impact extends to British society and life as a whole, a leader respected by all faiths, one of the most brilliant intellects of his generation. A fierce opponent of antisemitism and defender of Israel, Rabbi Lord Sacks was admired by people across the world for his insight, wisdom and kindness. 

Rabbi Lord Sacks will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family and the Jewish community locally in Hertsmere, but also across the world. May his memory be for a blessing. 

Oliver