Israel's ambassador to the UK honored as Freeman of London

The medieval honor goes back to 1571 and is given by towns and cities across the UK to esteemed members of the community.

By JONNY PAUL, JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT, LONDON
Prosor 248.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Prosor 248.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Ambassador to the UK Ron Prosor was named a Freeman of the City of London on Friday, receiving the honor at a ceremony at London's Guildhall, the ceremonial and administrative headquarters of London's financial district. The medieval honor goes back to 1571 and is given by towns and cities across the UK to esteemed members of the community. Holders of the award are then termed as Freemen, or Freewomen, of the city. Nominated by Lord Levene and Sir Sigmund Sternberg, the ambassador joins a lengthy and prestigious list of Freemen that include Luciano Pavarotti and Charles Lindbergh. At the ceremony, Prosor read out the Declaration of Freedom and signed the Register of Freedom, and was then presented with a certificate. "This prize is a huge honor and a symbolizes the deep and meaningful relations between Israel and Britain," Prosor said. "In the week that we celebrate Israel's 61st year, it is reassuring to see this great city standing with Israel in support of freedom and democracy. "I accept this honor on behalf of the people of Israel, as a testament of our achievements in the last 61 years and for the friendship between us and the citizens of London and Britain," he added. "If both nations work together in the spirit of openness, respect and tolerance, there will be no limit to what we can achieve in the future," he said.