Holocaust educators and guide dog champion recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

The former chief executive of Maccabi GB, the late executive director of the Israel Guide Dog Centre UK and deputy chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust are among those recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Martin Segal, the driving force behind the Israel Guide Dog Centre UK,  is posthumously made an MBE. Proud wife Rebecca told Jewish News: “His son Natan and I are bursting with pride for the incredible achievements Martin made during his life and the wonderful legacy he leaves behind.  He had so much to give and did so much good during his life, and all of the work he did will continue on.  This is just such an incredibly well-deserved award.  Another notch to add to Martin’s belt. Anybody who knew him well would know he would be revelling in this and quite rightly so!”

Martin’s passion for dogs was only rivalled by his commitment to Israel and he constantly tried to combine the two through fundraising, notably in 2019 when he cycled to Be’er Sheva for the Israel Guide Dog Centre. He tragically died from cancer in January.

Another Martin, Berliner, former chief executive of Maccabi GB, becomes an MBE for services to the Jewish community. He stepped down from the role after two decades in 2020.

Speaking to Jewish News, Berliner said he was speechless on receiving the letter from the Cabinet Office: “I am overwhelmed by the honour awarded to me. My first thought was of my late parents, I so wish I could share this moment with them and to thank them for all their love and support along the way.”

He added that he is delighted that “the work Maccabi GB delivers every day to our community and beyond has been recognised in this way. The work the Maccabi Movement does in Great Britain didn’t start with me and didn’t end with my retirement; long may the organisation continue to go from strength to strength.”

Berliner thanked the “presidents, vice presidents, chairs, trustees and large number of selfless volunteers who I have served with for over 20 years both nationally and internationally” and added that the recognition is “for all of you and your tireless dedication to our communities both in Great Britain and across Europe where I am currently supporting the chairman and executive of Maccabi Europe.”

Myrna Miriam Bernard, who retired in January this year after 12 years as a social worker with the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR), is made OBE for services to the Jewish community and the disabled in Scotland.

Michael Newman, chief executive officer, AJR said: “During her tenure with the AJR, Myrna was a devoted social worker and confidante and still remains a compassionate advocate for our members. She is a remarkable stalwart of our community and we are thrilled she has been recognised for services to the Jewish Community and to the Disabled in Scotland.

“The AJR is proud of our 80 plus year history in supporting Holocaust refugees and survivors, a privilege made possible by the vital support of dedicated social workers such as Myrna. Mazel tov!”

Dr Rachel Sarah Century, deputy chief executive, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) is awarded an MBE for services to Holocaust education and commemoration. She has a doctorate in Holocaust Studies from Royal Holloway, University of London and published a book, Female Administrators of the Third Reich, based on her research in 2017. She is also an educator for March of the Living UK and a Fellow of the Imperial War Museum in Holocaust Education.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, HMDT chief executive, said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that Rachel has been awarded an MBE for services to Holocaust education. It’s a thoroughly deserved honour and a testament to her unwavering dedication to ensuring that the truth and historical accuracy of the Holocaust are kept alive for future generations. Her passion and commitment are truly inspiring, and her work with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and others plays a vital role in making sure we never forget the horrors of the past.’

Marks-Woldman was awarded an OBE by her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2020 birthday honours list.

Novelist Hannah Mary Rothschild, is made OBE for services to philanthropy in the arts, culture and charity sectors. A writer, documentary filmmaker, businesswoman and philanthropist, Rothschild is a non-executive director of RIT, the family investment trust. In 2015, she was appointed the first female chair of the board of the National Gallery in London. She also chairs Yad Hanadiv, the Rothschild charitable foundation in Israel. She was awarded a CBE in 2018.

Georgia Gould, the long-time leader of Camden Council who is currently standing as a Labour candidate for Parliament, is awarded an OBE for services for local governement.

Dame Jenny Abramsky, former BBC director of radio, has become a Knights Grand Cross Order of the British Empire, while acclaimed BBC broadcaster Alan Yentob becomes a CBE.