Mr Esseghaier was studying for a doctorate at National Institute for Scientific Research near Montreal, while Mr Jaser reportedly worked as a customer service agent at a removal firm.

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In addition to rabbinic ordination, he has three masters degrees, in International Relations, Strategic Studies and National Security Affairs, and Rabbinics, and a doctorate from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

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During her visit she met with members of the UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) Scotland Committee and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh.

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