Rufus (Rufus Daniel Isaacs, Marquess of Reading)

Born in London, Rufus Daniel Isaacs (1860-1935), the first Marquess of Reading, rose to prominence in Anglo-Jewish history through his achievements as a jurist and statesman. Isaacs was the first Jew to be appointed Lord Chief Justice, ambassador to the United States, and, in 1921, viceroy of India. Named Marquess of Reading upon his return to England, he later served as foreign secretary in the government of Ramsay MacDonald. Confirming his interest in Zionist affairs, Isaacs visited Palestine in 1932. In 1933 he appealed to the House of Lords concerning the persecution of the Jews in Germany.