“I feel that the title Commander with which I have been honored was not meant exclusively for myself, but also as a mark of friendship to the Jewish people.”
This was the statement made by Albert M. Greenfield, millionaire philanthropist of Philadelphia, who was honored by having conferred upon him the title of Commander in the Order of Pope Pius IX, in an interview which he gave to Jacob Ginsburg, editor and publisher of the Philadelphia daily, “Jewish World.”
Mr. Greenfield made it clear that the honor bestowed upon him by the Pope has nothing whatever to do with any religious convictions, is purely civil in its nature and is so recognized throughout the world. “The title of Commander” he declared, “was created by Pope Pius IX and has for its purpose to honor people not of the Catholic faith who have contributed to the betterment of mankind.
“Some of the leading Jews of the world as well as some of the leading Protestants have been honored in this way. Moses Montefiore received the title from the Pope of his day. The well-known Jewish statesman, Nathan, who for some time was Mayor of the City of Rome, received a similar title. Nahum Sokolow, the great Zionist leader, received the title of Commander from the present Pope.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
