We are delighted to announce that CFI’s long-term Director and now Honorary President, Stuart Polak CBE, has been introduced to the House of Lords on Tuesday, as Lord Polak of Hertsmere.
Lord Polak was introduced to the chamber by Lord Grade of Yarmouth CBE and Rt. Hon. Lord Sterling of Plaistow, GCVO CBE.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in celebration at Westminster Central Hall, where a number of key figures spoke, including Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, CFI’s Parliamentary Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sir Eric Pickles MP, and CFI’s Chairman Andrew Heller.
Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s Yesh Atid party, hailed Stuart’s contribution: “We don’t have a House of Lords in Israel but if we did you would have had a seat there a long time ago, between Kafka and Einstein and Bob Dylan. We would have the title Lord Stuart Polak – Guardian of the Jewish people”.
Rabbi Mirvis said that he looked forward to further “spectacular achievements” in his continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party and former CFI Political Director, Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon MP, paid tribute to Stuart as a “pioneer for Israel” in this week’s Jewish News. Mr Halfon said: “I am absolutely delighted for Stuart, who is a wonderful person, a brilliant campaigner for Israel and the Conservative Party. The Lords will be enriched with his wisdom, political nous and knowledge of the Party”. Click here to read the full article.
Stuart has worked tirelessly over the years to strengthen and develop the Anglo-Israel relationship. During his 25-year career at CFI, he has coordinated and led more than 150 political delegations to Israel, and has helped establish several Jewish faith schools, including Yavneh College and Hertsmere Jewish Primary School.
