Our dear friend Rudi Leavor, BEM sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95. Rudi was a well-respected and much-loved Jewish community leader in Bradford. He was born in Berlin, Germany and along with his parents and sister, left Nazi Germany for Bradford in 1937, when he was aged 11. He spent the rest of his life here, forging a career as a dentist.
In 1975 Rudi became President and Chairman of the Bradford Reform Synagogue and in 2017 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work with the local Jewish Community and in interfaith and community relations.
Rudi dedicated his life to interfaith work, enjoying a special relationship with the Muslim community who rallied together to help save the Synagogue when it was under threat of closure in 2013. Rudi was a staunch supporter of our work and of so many community organisations, being a regular at our events and always willing to get involved to improve society.
Bana Gora, Chief Executive of Muslim Women’s Council said
Rudi inspired all of us to do good, he was a dear friend and will be missed. We will continue to learn and be inspired from his life & work, especially his dedication to community relations and religious harmony. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rudi’s loved ones at this sad time.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rudi’s many friends and loved ones. He will very much be missed by the Bradford community.
