Writer and philanthropist Israel Zangwill once lived here. This blue plaque commemorates his life. It is located at 288 Old Ford Road. The London County Council erected it in 1965.
Israel Zangwill was born in London in 1864. His parents were Jewish immigrants. They came from the Russian Empire. Zangwill grew up in London’s East End. He was educated at the Jews’ Free School. He later attended the University of London.
Zangwill became a writer and advocate. He championed the oppressed. His causes included Jewish emancipation and women’s suffrage. He also supported Zionism and territorialism. His brother was the novelist Louis Zangwill.
Did you know that Zangwill used pen names? He wrote as J. Freeman Bell. He also used Countess von S. and Marshallik. Zangwill’s writings earned him a nickname. People called him the “Dickens of the Ghetto.”
His novel “Children of the Ghetto” was influential. George Gissing called it a powerful book. Zangwill’s play “The Melting Pot” popularized a phrase. It described America’s absorption of immigrants. Theodore Roosevelt loved the play. He said it greatly influenced his thought.
The play’s protagonist is David Quixano. He is a Russian Jewish immigrant. His family died in a pogrom. David writes a symphony. It expresses hope for a world without ethnic differences. He falls in love with Vera. She is a Russian Christian immigrant. Vera’s father was responsible for David’s family’s death. Despite this, David and Vera agree to marry.
Zangwill also wrote mystery and satire. “The Big Bow Mystery” is a locked-room mystery. “The King of Schnorrers” is a picaresque novel. His “Dreamers of the Ghetto” features essays. These essays cover famous Jews. Baruch Spinoza and Heinrich Heine are included.
Zangwill initially supported Theodor Herzl. He later founded the Jewish Territorialist Organization. This group sought a Jewish homeland. It could be located anywhere. Options included Canada and Australia.
Zangwill is often miscredited. He didn’t create the phrase “A land without a people.” He borrowed it from Lord Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury used it to describe Palestine. Zangwill later realized Palestine wasn’t empty.
Israel Zangwill married Edith Ayrton in 1903. She was a feminist and author. They had three children. Their son Oliver became a psychologist.
Zangwill died in 1926 of pneumonia. He spent his final days in Midhurst. This plaque was unveiled in 1965. It marked what would have been his 101st birthday. His son Oliver Zangwill unveiled it. This plaque is among the last erected by the London County Council. It ensures Israel Zangwill is not forgotten.