Helena Carter: Picture lancashire.gov.uk

Each year a select number of people across the UK are chosen by the Queen as part of  ‘The New Years Honours List’. According to the British Government, “The New Year’s Honours List is published, recognising the achievements and service of nearly 1000 extraordinary people across the United Kingdom”.

This year, a significant number of Jews were honored, spanning the spectrum of science, philanthropy, acting, and politics.

Possibly the most famous of those honored is Helena Bonham Carter.  Carter is halachically Jewish, and received a CBE award.  This is presented for “an achievement or service in a leading role at a regional level” or “making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution with a wide impact”.

Upon receiving the award, Carter said “I always thought my father deserved a medal for facing 25 years of chronic disability with quiet daily heroism, so I am delighted to accept such a wonderful honour in his memory”.

Michael Whine of the Community Security Trust (CST) was awarded an MBE, given for “an achievement or service in or to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered a sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others”.  The founding chair of CST was awarded a CBE as well.

Nobel prize winning physicist, Andrew Geim, was knighted.  Those chosen to be knighted are done so for  “a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity”.

Holocaust survivor and Anne Frank’s stepsister, Eva Schloss, was awarded an MBE, as was Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust.