Queen to bestow OBE on Israeli Haredi rabbi

Isaac Schapira, the son of the late UTJ leader Rabbi Abraham Yosef Schapira, is a prominent member of the ultra-Orthodox community.

Queen of England (photo credit: Reuters)
Queen of England
(photo credit: Reuters)
Isaac Schapira, a prominent member of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, will be appointed as an officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, for his work in “strengthening the ties between the UK and the haredi community,” the British Embassy announced on Tuesday.
Schapira, the son of the late United Torah Judaism leader Rabbi Abraham Yosef Schapira, said that he is “deeply honored” to receive the award and that he sees it as a “mark of great respect” for the haredi community.
The British government has shown “ warmth and [a] supportive attitude” toward the haredim, he said.
British Ambassador Mathew Gould said that Schapira’s work has “helped us build a friendship and understanding between Britain and the haredi community.
Isaac has devoted huge time over many years to helping me and my predecessors get to know this vital and important part of Israeli society.”