Sir Benjamin Benjamin

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Alt NameSir Benjamin
Date of Birth2 September 1834
Death Date7 March 1905

ParliamentVictoria
DesignationMLC Melbourne
PartyIndependent
Term1889 to 1892

BiographyBenjamin Benjamin was born in London and arrived in Melbourne in 1843 aged 9. After school, he joined the family import business achieving great success and wealth. He became Mayor of Melbourne in 1887 and was knighted in 1889, the first Jew in Victoria to receive a knighthood. Within the Victorian Legislative Council, he was known as a strong supporter of federation and the eight hour working day. After leaving politics, He was a leading philanthropist to numerous Jewish causes including being a major supporter and donor to the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation and serving as its president on several occasions. Jewish education was close to his heart and the school attached to the Bourke St. synagogue was one of his primary endeavours. Unfortunately, in later life, he was involved in a number of financial scandals and briefly became bankrupt. Benjamin died in Melbourne at the age of 71 leaving a widow and 13 children. There are several biographical accounts available including