Tribute to Memory of Oswald John Simon at Anglo-jewish Association Meeting: in Distant Days Beyond O

At to-day’s meeting of the Anglo-Jewish Association Mr. Leonard G. Montefiore, the President, in moving a vote of condolence on the recent death of Mr. Oswald John Simon, the son of Sir John Simon, M.P., said that he had been elected a member of the Council of the Anglo-Jewish Association nearly 50 years ago.

His active life, he went on, belonged to a period of time that is now but a memory. Indeed, for most of us it has become a part of history. In the early eighties of the last century, the Jews in Russia were the victims of bitter persecution at the hands of the Czaris Government. The infamous May Laws which compelled them to live within the Pale of Settlement were followed by outbreaks of violence and massacre in which Government officials either connived or took an active part. Oswald Simon was tireless in directing public attention in this country to events in Russia. By letter and interview he secured the support of all the most distinguished figures in English public life, and at the Mansion House meeting of February 1st., 1882-50 years ago-the first resolution was proposed by the famous philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury, and the second by Cardinal Manning. Among those on the platform was Robert Browning. Charles Darwin and Matthew Arnold lent their support, and Lord Tennyson wrote a letter denouncing the unspeakable barbarities so alien to the spirit of the age.

That was 50 years ago, Mr. Montefiore said, and we mourn to-day one of the few survivals of that illustious gathering, whose names sound like a muster-roll of all the most famous in the Victorian era. In taking leave of our colleague and friend, let us remember that in those distant days beyond our memory, he was a doughty and a stalwart champion of liberty and enlightenment of the Jewish cause.

MR. DUPARE’S EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY

Mr. Montefiore reported that the next meeting would be held in the new Jewish Communal Hall. We have met at the Great Western Hotel, he said, for forty years.

Soon after the next meeting-on the second day of Pentecost-he announced, Mr. M. Dupare, the Secretary of the Anglo-Jewish Association, celebrates his 80th. birthday, and we all join in congratulating him.