Sir Moses Montefiore (1784 - 1885) was the dominant figure in the Jewish Community in the 19th Century in the UK and was also revered by Jews in many countries for his tireless efforts for religious freedom and his endeavours to improve their lives, involving even diplomatic approaches to those in power, notably in the Ottoman Empire, Russia and Morocco. He used his wealth to help the poor, Sephardi and Ashkenazi alike, in many ways at home and abroad, in the Holy Land, travelling extensively, undeterred by difficulties or discomfort.

He built and endowed the beautiful little Synagogue at Ramsgate near his country home and also a theological college there as a memorial to his beloved and devoted wife Judith who died in 1862. The town also benefited from his generosity.

His 100th birthday was celebrated throughout the world with unprecedented fervour, and at his death he was deeply mourned not only by Jews everywhere but also by the non Jews whose lives he had touched. Sir Moses’s memory remains an inspiration and his philanthropic legacy survives to this day in the charities he established, and particularly in the Montefiore Endowment.