The Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917 by King George V to reward services by civilians and servicemen. The insignia bears the images of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. This is an opportunity for me to say goodbye to you all for a few weeks while I am away on my mid-tour leave, and of course to say thank you for all the very hard work which you have put in over the past year and a half since we arrived. It has been, and still is, great fun working with you all and your friendship and dedication both help to make this post even more special than it otherwise is. Thank you all very much.
Today is also very special in another way.
Today, for the first time, I have the pleasure and privilege of presenting an award on behalf of the The Queen, in this case to the senior member of our local staff here, Yacoub Dahdal. Yacoub, this award could not be better deserved. For nearly 19 years now you have been a tower of strength in this mission. In many ways you have been the public face of the Consulate General both in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the West bank and Gaza. This has been a task which you have performed virtually on your own, and to great effect.