Biographical Sketch: Sir Moses Montefiore Sir Moses Montefiore, 1784-1885, was a well known English philanthropist. A successful broker who worked with Nathan Mayer Rothschild, Montefiore was able to retire from business at age 40. He served as Sheriff of London in 1837 and was the first Jew in modern times to be knighted. Over the last four decades of his life, Montefiore came to the aid of oppressed Jews throughout Europe and North Africa. His status was so high, that his visits were almost regarded as official missions in behalf of the British government. Toward the end of his life, Montefiore donated the funds to build a synagogue in Ramsgate, England, and established a college in memory of his wife. [NSJE:670-671]