Bermuda Shliach Welcomes British Monarch During State Visit
by Rabbi Chaim Birnhack
I had the great honour of meeting His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to Bermuda, his first visit as Sovereign to a British Overseas Territory.
As the Rabbi of Bermuda, following another horrific antisemitic terror attack, this time on the streets of Golders Green, I shared with His Majesty how deeply grateful so many in the Jewish community, and beyond, are for his clear and compassionate stand against antisemitism, and for his longstanding friendship toward the Jewish people.
What he shared with me in response was deeply moving.
He spoke warmly about his grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who, while living in Nazi-occupied Athens during the Holocaust, risked her own life to hide and save Jews from the Nazis. She also quietly helped feed and care for those in need.
His Majesty shared that she never made a big deal of it, and that the family did not speak about it much.
Years later, Princess Alice was recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations. She later asked to be buried in Jerusalem, and today she rests on Har Hazeitim, the Mount of Olives.
In a world where hate can be loud, acts of courage, kindness, and moral clarity echo even louder.
May we continue to build bridges of respect, faith, and friendship, and may we always stand together for light, dignity, and goodness!
