This commemorative volume was first published in 1965 by the Jewish Agency for Israel, on the 80th anniversary of the death of Sir Moses Montefiore. It appeared in English, French and Spanish editions. The author, Dr. Umberto Nahon, of blessed memory, was one of the outstanding sons and leaders of Italian Jewry. He was particularly interested in the biography of Sir Moses who was a native of Livorno, Italy. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir Moses and 100 years since his death, the World Zionist Organization recall again for posterity the great deeds of this outstanding personality. We do so by reproducing this volume that has been out of print. Dr. Nahon's work does justice to the exceptional life and times of Montefiore who achieved wealth and nobility in England, where he benefited from the patronage of the throne and devoted many years of his long life and great influence to the Land of Eretz Israel, Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Undoubtably, his biography could be the basis for a fascinating novel as well as an example for his people, such as is described in the volume. Montefiore visited Israel seven times proving his devotion and his belief in the development of the land of Israel as a home for the jews. He invested his wealth and his time for the love of this land and its people. As a true Jewish leader, he travelled to several countries: Russia, Turkey, Romania, Marocco, and many others to meet Kings and Notables in order to protect his Jewish brothers in their lands in exile. He sought to improve their conditions and to save them from pogroms. Sir Moses was a Zionist at a time when this term — Zionism —did not have yet its Herzlian or actual meaning, in the sense that he was a pioneer of Zionism, a wandering Jewish ambassador, with an important position and great influence. Even in our days, Montefiore's image can serve as an example for us all. -
David Avayou Member of the Executive of the World Zionist Organization Chairman of the Sephardi Communities Department.
