LANDAU, ANNIE

LANDAU, ANNIE (1873–1945), Anglo-Jewish educationalist in Ereẓ Israel. Annie Landau was born in London to a strictly Orthodox family and at the age of 12 was sent to the Jewish High School in Frankfurt on the Main to receive a traditional Jewish education. On completing her studies she became a teacher at the Westminster Jews' Free School in London, and in 1900 was appointed by the Anglo-Jewish Association as headmistress of the Evelina de Rothschild school in Jerusalem, a position she held until her death. Annie Landau combined fervent British patriotism with a strict regard for the traditions and practices of Orthodox Judaism, which she inculcated into her pupils, and her home became virtually a salon for English and Jewish society in Ereẓ Israel. She was awarded the MBE in 1924 and her 70th birthday celebration was attended by some 500 of the leading members of Palestinian society. She was often referred to as the "Queen of Jerusalem." Although somewhat out of sympathy with Zionist aspirations, she was one of the best-loved and admired personalities in Jerusalem. Her sister MURIEL ELSIE (1895–1972), a well-known gynecologist and wife of Dr. Sam Sacks, was the first Jewess in England to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. Her sister HELEN (1892–?) was headmistress of the Jewish School near Manchester, and her brother ISAAC (1874–1954) was president of the London Board of Shechitah from 1930 to 1941.