Montefiore

Montefiore, the name of an eminent Jewish family which has made a name both in England and abroad. The best known in England of the family is Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885). He was born in Leghorn, where his parents, settled in England, were for the time staying. In 1812 he married Miss Judith Cohen, who was his worthy partner in his many works of benevolence. He set himself vigorously to work to remove the political disabilities which beset Jews in England, and with considerable effect. He himself served as High Sheriff of Kent, and in 1837 was elected Sheriff of London, being knighted in the same year. He received his baronetcy in 1846. He always interested himself on behalf of his nation," and in

Poland, Russia, Roumania, and Damascus he did much to ameliorate their condition. On their behalf he undertook many journeys to the East, the last being in 1874, when he was already greatly advanced in age. In his later years he was a wellknown and highly-respected inhabitant of Ramsgate, where he founded the Jewish College, and his 99th birthday was made the occasion of almost universal congratulation.