21
December 1804 A.D. Benjamin Disraeli Born—British Prime Minister,
Jewish Born, but Turns Anglican
Benjamin Disraeli (1804 to 1881)
Anglican
Christian Prime Minister Was Jewish.
Benjamin Disraeli
was born in London. He was never ashamed of his Jewish heritage; both his
parents and grandparents were highly respected in their communities. Benjamin
was the oldest of four sons, and with his family renounced their Jewish
background, joining the Anglican Church. Benjamin, however, did not do well in
school, nor in business, and resorted to writing, with a mix of success and
failure. When opportunity afforded, he ran for a seat in Parliament, and after
four successive failures, was elected. His first speech in Parliament (Dec. 7,
1837) proved a disaster, and he had to shout out his last sentence against the
laughter and derision of the assembled politicians: "I will sit down now,
but the time will come when you will hear me." This bitter experience
moderated his style. Marrying a wealthy widow, 12 years his senior, gave him
the position and prestige which heretofore had evaded him. Moreover, his
writings became more acceptable (although viewed controversial by those who
opposed him). A born-again Jew, he saw very clearly the part Israel would have
in fulfilling Bible prophecy and advocated Jewish evangelism, even after he had
been elevated to Prime Minister of Great Britain.
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