By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Chaim Birnhack, director of Chabad of Bermuda, met with King Charles III during the monarch’s recent visit to Bermuda, marking his first visit to a British Overseas Territory since ascending the throne.
“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,” Rabbi Birnhack said.
The meeting took place amid growing concern over antisemitic incidents worldwide, including a recent terror attack in Golders Green. Rabbi Birnhack said he conveyed a message of appreciation from the Jewish community.
“Following another horrific antisemitic terror attack… 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,” he said.
According to the rabbi, the King responded by reflecting on the legacy of his grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who risked her life during the Holocaust to shelter Jews in Nazi-occupied Athens.
“What he shared with me in response was deeply moving,” Rabbi Birnhack said. “He spoke warmly about his grandmother… who, while living in Nazi-occupied Athens during the Holocaust, risked her own life to hide and save Jews from the Nazis.”
Rabbi Birnhack added that the King emphasized her humility. “His Majesty shared that she never made a big deal of it, and that the family did not speak about it much,” he said.
Princess Alice was later recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations. She requested to be buried in Jerusalem, and today rests on the Mount of Olives.
“In a world where hate can be loud, acts of courage, kindness, and moral clarity echo even louder,” Rabbi Birnhack said, reflecting on the exchange.
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts by Jewish leaders to engage public figures in addressing antisemitism and reinforcing messages of tolerance and historical awareness.
Yeshar Koach Rabbi Birnhack and family for your incredible shlichus!