January 22 1901 – 2 Shevat 5661
King Edward VII succeeded his mother, Queen Victoria, on the British throne. Several Jews graced Edward’s inner circle, including the Baghdadi-born Reuben Sassoon, whose friendship with the king perturbed much of the British aristocracy. Even more important, Edward intervened on behalf of the Jews of Russia, broaching the subject with his cousin, Czar Nicholas II, while on a state visit to that country. Cousin Nicky ignored “Bertie.” English politicians expressed dismay at the king’s behavior, but for the Jews, Edward became a hero.