Prince William
Prince WilliamReuters

Prince William of Britain – second in line to the throne – has praised Jewish unity and commitment to society at large.

The prince was speaking this past Thursday at a dinner in honor of the 25th anniversary of Jewish Care, the United Kingdom's largest health and social care organization for the Jewish community. It runs over 70 centers and services, caring for over 7,000 people and their families every week.

Some 1,500 guests at the dinner in Alexandra Palace heard Prince William's warm remarks, in which he said, "During a year when many in the Jewish community have had cause to feel under threat, for no reason other than simply the fact of your Jewishness, your unity is all the more precious. Your commitment and loyalty to one another, and to society more widely, is ultimately what keeps you strong.’’

Prince William is the elder son of Prince Charles of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. He is second in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth, aged 89, after his father Prince Charles, 67. This was Prince William's first ever speaking engagement at a Jewish event, European Jewish Press reported.

“This common thread through history – of caring for one another and generosity of time and money – is something that many sectors of British society can be rightly proud of," the prince said. "But you in this room deserve particular praise. The results of your commitment to one another within the Jewish community are obvious – the real and loving care that thousands of elderly and vulnerable people receive, among the many works that you carry out."

Prince William concluded his address by wishing the organization “Mazal Tov” on its milestone anniversary, EJP noted.

Jewish Care’s president Lord Michael Abraham Levy, in his speech, recalled how Prince Charles and Princess Diana had been guests of the charity on three occasions: “You and your family are very special to our community. Every Shabbat and every big festival, prayers are given and blessings said for Her Majesty and the whole Royal Family.”