Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment, his office has said. 

A statement said that he “remains positive and upbeat and will now spend a period of time focused on the treatment he is receiving from his excellent medical team.  

“He is looking forward to returning to his work as soon as possible.” 

Lord Sacks’ successor as Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, responded to the news by expressing his “heartfelt prayers” to him and his family. 

“May Hashem bless you with a Refuah Sheleima [a full recovery] – a swift and complete return to good health.” 

Figures from across the community sent messages wishing the rabbi well, including journalist Stephen Bush and human rights barrister Adam Wagner. 

Former NY State Assemblyman and founder of Americans Against Antisemitism Dov Hikind wrote that he was “Praying for a speedy and complete recovery”. 

Lord Sacks was twice previously treated for cancer.