Christian and Jewish groups have paid tribute to Lady Hazel Sternberg, wife of interfaith pioneer Sir Sigmund, who died aged 86 last Saturday after battling a long illness.
Lady Sternberg was the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Papal Order of St Sylvester and also received the Order of St Francis.
Reverend David Gifford, chief executive of the Council of Christians and Jews, described Lady Hazel as a “very gracious and supportive person.”
Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, of Alyth Reform synagogue, said the mother-of-two and grandmother-of-five was a “deeply valued member of the community.” Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, senior rabbi for Reform Judaism, described her as a “champion of Progressive Judaism”.
Vivian Wineman, president of the Board of Deputies, said: “She has made a lasting contribution to Jewish charity work and community building.”
Gillian Walnes, founder of the Anne Frank Trust UK, described Lady Sternberg as “a sweet and intelligent woman”.
