David Sassoon - Legacy

Legacy

Although David Sassoon did not speak English, he became a naturalised British citizen in 1853. He kept the dress and manners of the Baghdadi Jews, but allowed his sons to adopt English manners. His son, Abdullah changed his name to Albert, moved to England, became a Baronet and married into the Rothschild family. All the Sassoons of Europe are said to be descendants of David Sassoon.

He built a synagogue in the Fort (area) and another in Byculla, as well as a school, a Mechanics' Institute, a library and a convalescent home in Pune. David Sassoon was conscious of his role as a leader of the Jewish community in Mumbai. He helped to arouse a sense of Jewish identity amongst the Bene Israeli and Cochin Jewish communities. The Sassoon Docks (built by his son) and the David Sassoon Library are named after him.

David Sassoon died in his country house in Pune in 1864. His business interests were inherited by his son Sir Albert Sassoon; Elias David had established a rival firm.

Some of the prominent Buildings contributed to or built by David Sasoon and his family are as follows:

• David Sassoon Library & reading room, Fort Mumbai
• Magen David Synagogue, Byculla, Mumbai

• • Jacob Sasooon High School, Byculla, Mumbai
  • E.E.E. Sassoon High School, Byculla, Mumbai
• David Sassoon Hospital, JJ Hospital Premises, Byculla, Mumbai
• Masina Hospital, Byculla, Mumbai
• Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, Colaba, Mumbai
• Sassoon Dock, Colaba, Mumbai
• Elphiston Technological School, Parel, Mumbai
• The Gateway of India
• The Bank of India, Fort (head office), Mumbai
• The David Sassoon Reformary and Deaf school, Matunga, Mumbai
• The Victoria Garden and Albert Museum
• Ohel David Synagogue, Pune
• Sassoon Hospital, Pune
• Lady Rachel Sassoon Dispensary, Pune
• David Sassoon Vridha Ashram, Pune

• Family tree of the Sassoon family

• Sassoon Docks, in Mumbai