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The Executive Council of Aus­trali­an Jewry (ECAJ), the elected peak rep­res­ent­at­ive body of the Aus­trali­an Jewish community, expresses its deep sorrow at the passing yesterday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The passing of Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Australia’s con­sti­tu­tion­al head of State, and the only British monarch to have served during the lifetimes of most Aus­trali­ans living today, is sad news for millions of people in Britain, Australia and through­out the Com­mon­wealth, and beyond”, said ECAJ President Jillian Segal.

“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.  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.”