Philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore's insight into forgotten Jewish worlds. By Anonymous. He was one of the first global celebrities. Jews and gentiles alike celebrated his centenary with such enthusiasm that the post office near his home in Rasmgate laid on extra staff to cope with the flood of letters and telegrams from all over the world.
Fame on this scale was the product of an extraordinary life. After making a fortune on the stock exchange, Montefiore devoted 60 years to improving the lot of world Jewry. Oblivious to piracy, cholera and war, disregarding his ever-greater age and physical infirmities, he travelled all over Europe and the Middle East.
His missions took him seven times to Palestine, as well as to Egypt, Russia, Rome, Turkey, Morocco and Romania, where he interceded on their behalf with pashas, sultans, emperors and popes. Operating as a kind of unofficial ambassador for the Jewish people, Montefiore pioneered a diplomatic approach to the problem of Jewish persecution that helped to carve a new place for Jews in the modern world.
In the process, he raised millions in today's money to relieve Jewish refugees and famine victims living in the Muslim world. I have found researching Montefiore's life a peculiarly rich experience. My mother was born a Montefiore, and I vividly remember the massive family lunch to mark his bicentenary in For most of us, he was already a legend.
A few of the "oldies" recalled halcyon holidays at his former home in Ramsgate. My great aunt referred to him occasionally as "Uncle Moses". One of my mother's cousins remembered being taken for a walk by a very elderly relative who, it was said, had once held Sir Moses' hand.
