Jews Enter Politics

It took nearly a century for Jews to gain full civil and political rights.

In 1855, David Salomons was elected as Lord Mayor of London – the first Jew to hold the post. He campaigned for British Jews to have equal rights to their Anglican neighbours. Finally in 1858 the Jewish Relief Act was passed by Parliament, granting them equal rights.

Also in 1858, the first Jewish member of parliament, Baron Lionel de Rothschild, was finally able to take his seat in Parliament. Rothschild had been elected in 1847 but was unwilling to swear the Christian oath required to sit in the Commons, a requirement that was struck down with the Jewish Relief Act.

In 1868, the first prime minister of Jewish ancestry, Benjamin Disraeli, was appointed. He was the first PM not born a Christian to hold the office.

TO FIND OUT

Does Parliament today have members from all faiths and beliefs?

CRITICAL THINKING

1. Is it important or useful for members of Parliament to have a large variety of faiths and beliefs, or is this irrelevant to decisions that parliament makes?

2. Do you think everyone has equal rights in Britain today? Is there anything you would like to campaign for Parliament to change?

CHECK YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. How long did it take for Jews to gain full civil and political rights in England?

2. Who was Baron Lionel de Rothschild?

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