Tributes paid to former JC editor Geoffrey Paul, who dies aged 90
Rabbi Lord Sacks leads praise for veteran writer, as having a 'sharp mind, a deeply moral set of commitments, a devoted love of Judaism'
Jenni Frazer is a freelance journalist
Geoffrey Paul, who has died aged 90, was the editor of the Jewish Chronicle from 1977 to 1990 and in 1991 was made OBE for services to journalism.
The Liverpool-born Paul started life as Geoffrey David Goldstein, but changed his name when he became a full-time journalist. He could be said to have edited the JC in its “glory years”, when it had little or no competition and a huge circulation.
Former chief rabbi Lord Sacks, who attended the funeral on Monday at Bushey New Cemetery, said: “Geoffrey Paul was one of Anglo Jewry’s finest editors, with a sharp mind, a deeply moral set of commitments, a devoted love of Judaism, a strong sense of humour and unfailing humanity. He represented Anglo-Jewry at its very best and raised its journalistic standards high. Elaine and I considered him a cherished friend, and our deepest condolences go to Rachel and his children”.
Speaking at the funeral, Rabbi Harvey Belovski, minister of Golders Green Synagogue, said that Lord Sacks had once advised him that every rabbi needed a wise person to consult. Geoffrey Paul was the “wise ear” for Rabbi Belovski, who admitted that he had once been so furious about something that he was ready to take a dramatic step. Geoffrey Paul “strongly advised” against such a step, he told the mourners, adding that had he proceeded in his action “I would not be standing here today.”
After working on provincial papers Geoffrey Paul moved to London and worked for a number of Jewish outlets including the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) and the Jewish Observer, before joining the Jewish Chronicle and rising through the ranks until he became foreign editor.
In that role he sent himself to Israel, where he lived for a short time with his first wife, Joy, and their daughter Claire. But Joy did not take to Israel and returned to London; eventually the couple divorced.
In Jerusalem Geoffrey Paul met his second wife, American Rachel Mann, who was working for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. They married and returned to Britain where their son, Joshua, was born, in the early days of Geoffrey Paul’s JC editorship.
Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, said: “We are very sad to hear of Geoffrey Paul’s death. He upheld the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in his work and will be missed by all who knew him.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
