Challenging anti-Semitism is a moral imperative for non-Jews

One of the functions of the honours system is to articulate our principles and priorities. Amid the cringe cronyism and inexplicable baubles for even more inexplicable mainstays of public life (Sir Chris Bryant, Lord preserve us), there are the nods to good people doing good work, whether in their community, the charity sector, industry, research or other areas of public life. In acknowledging their efforts, we say something about what we value as a nation: bravery, excellence, compassion, innovation and public service. These are our ideals and we want those who practise them to be rewarded — and emulated. 

So in bestowing honours on Ephraim Mirvis, Marie van der Zyl, Jonathan Arkush, Mark Gardner and Rachel Riley, we are saying not only that these Britons have made exemplary contributions but that we as a nation wish to be known by their example.