We should all be diminished by the apparent failure of our Jewish communal organisations to mark the historic Jubilee of our Head of State – especially as we have prayed for her in many Australian synagogues every Shabbat for the last 70 years to be preserved in life and be guarded and delivered from all trouble and sorrow and be blessed with a spirit of wisdom and understanding in her heart to uphold the peace of the realm.

Many might question whether she has dealt kindly and truly with all Israel as we have also prayed for her to do during those last 70 years.

We need to remember however that it was Great Britain that gave birth to the Balfour Declaration and the Mandate for Palestine recognising the historical connection of the Jewish People with Palestine and to the grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country.

I wonder how those Australian Jews feel who have received Imperial honours awards from the Queen or Orders of Australia awards from the Queen’s representative – the Governor General – in recognition of the work they have done for many of those forgetful organisations.