John Henry Patterson was born into a Christian family in Ireland in 1867. He became an outstanding soldier in British Army. While serving in Kenya, he killed two lions that were known to be man-eaters and had killed a number of his men. This episode made him famous and Patterson wrote a book that was turned into no fewer than three Hollywood movies. Patterson later commanded the two Jewish legions that were established during World War I. In this capacity, he became acquainted with Ze’ev Jabotinsky, who had been active in setting up these legions, and they quickly became firm friends. Patterson was very impressed by the Jewish soldiers and became one of the most important Gentile Zionists in history. Together with Nahum Sokolow, Chaim Weizmann and Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Patterson is listed as a Keren Hayesod emissary to England in 1921. He also worked on behalf of Keren Hayesod in other places, including New York, Toronto, Brussels, The Hague and Prague. Large audiences came to hear his speeches. Support for Keren Hayesod from non-Jews is particularly moving. Keren Hayesod’s success in recruiting people from the ends of the earth and instilling in them a sense of mission regarding the Zionist vision is one of the organization’s major achievements!
Photo: John Henry Patterson (1867 – 1947)