Almost 1,000 visitors gathered in Ramsgate at the weekend (August 10-11) to mark the 140th anniversary of the passing of Sir Moses Montefiore, the eminent Victorian philanthropist, statesman and tireless advocate for Jewish communities across the globe.
For the past 25 years, Ohel Zadikim, under the dedicated leadership of Reverend Goldstein, has organised the annual commemoration at the Montefiore Synagogue and Mausoleum, Sir Moses’s final resting place.
Over the decades, the charity has provided transportation from London, Manchester, and other centres, ensuring that those wishing to pay their respects could do so. In keeping with its tradition of hospitality, Ohel Zadikim offered hot and cold refreshments, along with a fully stocked drinks station.
On Sunday, with the weather reaching summer highs, an entire pallet of bottled water was distributed to the many pilgrims who had come to pray at the tzion (tomb) of Sir Moses.
The occasion also brought visitors to the seafront, where a friendly beach environment provided families the opportunity to enjoy the season in accordance with their traditions. Among the largest groups in attendance were members of Canterbury Camp, based at the University of Kent campus. Led by the Pinter family, a son of the late Reb Shmelkeh Pinter, renowned for his leadership within the Stamford Hill community and for overseeing Europe’s busiest synagogue, Pinter’s Shul, as well as the YHS Schools in London.
The camp has long held a deep connection to the legacy of Sir Moses. The Pinters have for generations championed Montefiore’s historical mission, his service to the British Crown as a baronet of the realm, and his rescue efforts for Jewish communities worldwide.
Sir Moses’s life was marked by many interventions on behalf of his people. In Israel, when local authorities threatened to impose exorbitant fees upon Jewish farmers for the wheat harvest, a key source of livelihood, he funded the construction of the now-iconic Montefiore Windmill in Jerusalem. This innovation not only broke the stranglehold on grain pricing but symbolised self-reliance and dignity for the Yishuv. Abroad, his courage in confronting and overturning infamous blood libel accusations saved countless Jewish lives, notably in Damascus in 1840.
Beyond his humanitarian missions, Sir Moses was a man of significant business acumen. A financier, philanthropist, and one of the most influential Victorians of his day, he helped shape Britain’s financial landscape. In 1824, together with his close associate Nathan Rothschild, he founded the Alliance Assurance Company, one of the original companies that would eventually form part of the modern RSA Group. His involvement in railways, insurance, and infrastructure demonstrated his belief in combining commerce with public service.
The Montefiore Endowment, his lasting bequest, continues to steward the estate in Ramsgate and supports rabbinic training programmes, enabling new generations of dayanim (rabbinical judges) to serve communities worldwide. Though the kollel and college in Ramsgate have long since closed and their assets sold, the endowment ensures that his influence endures.
For this year’s anniversary, Ohel Zadikim installed signposts and provided logistical coordination to aid travellers and guests. The S&P Sephardi Community, custodians of the site, oversaw the presence of a caretaker, two senior key-holders, and three security personnel, funded by the Montefiore Endowment, for the duration of the event. The considerable annual costs of advertising, liaising with local police and emergency services, arranging refreshments, candle-lighting, and ensuring the comfort of visitors are met entirely by the charitable resources of Ohel Zadikim.
a strange thing to celebrate while they are killing thousands ?
real world they are not doing the killing, it’s Israeli’s doing it.
Aside from that it’s a shame the article wasn’t a bit more open about Montifiore’s philanthropy.
First point, his flour mill in Jerusalem was not in Israel because that State didn’t exist until the following century.
Next point is Monte’s work, as with the Rothschild’s was the foundation for the settler colonialism that zionists enhanced in 1948 with the displacement of around 700,000 people and the killing of many.
I have no idea what Monte’ would think of how his “project” turned out but the appalling situation in Gaza and West Bank had its beginnings with Monte’.
Thank for historical accuracy – good to know not everyone has forgotten or just jump on the bandwagon wagon of non factual ignorance.
Could anyone remind me wat happened on October 7th? Was it election day in Gaza? Or Gay Pride? Hence the support of the righteous left? I’m too old to remember…
Well said, Pat.
Pat, which “October 7th” do you mean? Each year has one and, if you are too old to recall you must have seen many of them.