The Rothschild Family is widely recognized for the major contribution it has made to the economic, political and social history of many countries throughout the world.

 The legacy begins with Mayer Amschel (formerly Bauer) Rothschild (1743-1812), an unusually gifted visionary that began the saga some two hundred years ago. He began his career as a currency dealer, specializing in ancient coinage. Using the red shield (the "Rothschild") as his sign, his expertise introduced him to the Grand Elector of Hesse, and when the Napoleonic wars drove princes into exile, the Grand Elector entrusted Mayer Amschel with the management of his assets. Over the years, his self-elected name became synonymous with wealth, power and influence. He was the first of the Rothschilds -- the first truly international banker.

Photo: Edmond de Rothschild, the "well-known benefactor".

Mayer Amschel's five sons continued the financial pursuits of their father in five major countries of Europe - Amschel, the eldest, in Frankfurt, Nathan Rothschild in London, Salomon in Vienna, Carl in Naples and James in Paris. For these five dynasties the red shield became their
noble family's badge and a symbol of a legend. For each on their own, and for all together, the five arrows of the Rothschild coat of arms serve as a reminder of their patriarch's dictum:
Singly they may be broken. Together they will endure.

James, the youngest of Mayer Amschel Rothschild's five sons (1792 - 1868) joined the family business at age 19, which he then managed after Nathan's death. In addition to being the trusted adviser of ministers and kings, James formed the basis of the family's renowned art collections.

(1845 - 1934), the youngest son of James and Betty, joined the Paris house in 1868, and quickly became a director of many family affairs. He also built up an unparalleled collection of 17th and 18th Century paintings and engravings, which he presented to the Louvre. For the purposes of this Foundation, and the entire land of Israel, it was Edmond's interest in the plight of Jews, which shaped the history of the Israel and of the Jewish people.

Edmond de Rothschild will forever be remembered as the "well-known benefactor", "the father of the settlement", and the spiritual Founder of the Caesarea Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild Foundation.