Jewish Rulers in Foreign Lands-II
Diaspora Jews Who Rose to Power in Foreign Countries in Modern Times
The Jews, though victims of social bigotry, rose to be powerful rulers in some countries in modern times as well as in the ancient times.
The Diaspora Jews had a reputation for diligence and sincerity and excelled in many spheres of life in their countries of domicile. They occupied powerful positions as rulers and governors under the emperors of antiquity. Their perseverance and faithfulness helped them achieve similar positions in modern times too.
Jewish Dynasties of Ethiopia
The Jewish community of Ethiopia has its origins in the times of King Solomon of Israel and Queen Sheba of Ethiopia. The rise of Christianity saw the Jews withdrawing to the remote Gondar region. They regained power in the 10th century AD, established a new royal dynasty, and enjoyed power and influence during the next three centuries. A number of Jewish noble families governed large provinces till recent times.
Yohannes IV (Ruled from 1872 till his death in 1889)
Born Dejazmatch Kassai, Yohannes claimed descent from Solomon. He took the title of “His Imperial Majesty Yohannes IV (John IV), Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Zion and King of Kings of Ethiopia.”
The son of Mercha the Shum of Tembien, and his wife Woizero Silass Dimtsu (Amata Selassie) of Enderta, Yohannes was distantly related to Solomon through his father's Tembien family. He also had royal blood of Solomon through his paternal grandmother Woizero Workewoha Kale Kristoss of the Adwa family, a grand daughter of Ras Mikael Sehul, a prince of Adwa. He was also linked to Solomon through his wife Aster Eyasu, daughter of Melmal Eyasu, a Solomonic prince.
Haile Selassie (Ruled from 1930 to 1974 with a break in 1936)
Born Tafari Makonnen, Haile Selassie was the de jure Emperor from 1930 to 1974 and de facto Emperor from 1916 to 1936 and, after a break, from 1941 to 1974. His full title in office was “His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Kings of Ethiopia and Elect of God.”
His father Ras Makonnen Woldemikael Gudessa was the governor of Harar. His paternal grand mother, Princess Tenagnework Sahle Selassie, was a descendant of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.
Haile Selassie was a magnificent monarch with imperial grandeur.
Benjamin Disraeli, the Earl of Beaconsfield
Benjamin Disraeli served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 27th February to 1st December 1868 and again from 20th February 1874 to 21st April 1880. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Lord Derby in Conservative governments of 1852, 1858 to 1859, and 1866 to 1868.
Disraeli was born on 21st December 1804 as the eldest son of Isaac D'Israeli and Maria Basevi at Bedford Row, London. Though a Jew by birth, he was baptized at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in 1817.
Disraeli purchased control of the Suez Canal for Britain. A powerful orator, he conferred the title of “Empress of India” upon Queen Victoria. He was made Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876.
The Treaty of Berlin (1878) negotiated by Disraeli ended the Russo-Turkish war of 1877. He claimed after the talks to have won “peace with honour.” Disraeli also prevailed upon the Turks and ensured that religious freedom was restored to Jews in Palestine that was part of the Turkish Empire at the time.
Disraeli was equally famous as an English author and wrote several books.
Others
There are a few others whom one may add to this list.
One such powerful personality of our times is Henry Alfred Kissinger, a German Jew, who held the position of Secretary of State (Foreign Minister) of the United States of America from 1973 to 1977 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Kissinger was an accomplished academician and shrewd statesman.
