ShalomNewYork.com

Abraham’s sons and grandsons don’t limit their allegiances to the Grand Vizir. In 1854 Abraham Salomon represents the Austro-Hungarian community of the Ottoman Empire at the marriage of Franz-Joseph of Austria. In 1860, with the birth of his grandson Moses, he also founds the Universal Israelite Foundation in Paris. In 1865, seeing the decline of the Ottoman Empire and their own loss of stature, the Camondos give up their Austrian citizenship and take Italian nationality. The king of Italy, Victor-Emmanuel II rewards their support for his unification program by conferring the title of count on Abraham Salomon Camondo (a title that is transmitted through the male line). In 1868, the Camondos transfer their holdings to Paris. Soon they are the bankers to the Empress Eugénie, supporting her Turkish investments, and participating in the financing of the Suez Canal.”
From November 6, 2009, through March 7, 2010, the Jewish Museum of Art and History in Paris is featuring an exhibition about a prominent and relatively little-known Jewish family who could have figured in Marcel Proust’s great opus In Search of Lost Time. more@BonJourParis.com