As part of Queen Elizabeth II’s 83rd birthday honors, Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin of London’s Ilford district was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

The award, which will be presented by the Queen or a member of the Royal Family at a later date, came in recognition of Sufrin’s “services to Jewish community relations” and his work at Drugsline, the drug crisis and counseling center he founded 18 years ago.

Sufrin told the Ilford Recorder that he had no idea that his name had even been put forward for consideration until he received the letter notifying him of his inclusion in a list that normally includes artists, doctors and community activists.

“I’m very surprised, excited and humbled,” he said. “I’m delighted that our work in the community has been recognized in this way.”

Run under the umbrella of Chabad-Lubavitch of Ilford, Drugsline offers drug prevention services across the United Kingdom and runs several satellite centers throughout London. …

Britain’s Prince Edward, left, helped inaugurate a satellite of Drugsline, founded by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, in 2007.
Britain’s Prince Edward, left, helped inaugurate a satellite of Drugsline, founded by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, in 2007.