Many years ago, sometime in the last century (how worldly I feel writing that!) I was at the launch party for the dear dead Modern Review mark II and feeling mildly appalled by the whole flimsy thing when a young man introduced himself to me as Nick Cohen and told me he’d be writing for us.
‘O, a Cohen!’ I exclaimed happily, all innocence. ‘Just what this magazine needs – a clever Jew!’
Did I ever get a mouthful!
‘I’m not a Jew – my family rejected Judaism decades ago…never been so insulted…’
‘But your name is the name of Moses’ brother – Aaron!’ I pointed out. ‘How can you not be a Jew? That’s like being called Taffy Jones-Thomas and not being Welsh!’
Fast forward twenty years and imagine my delight when this very spring that same clever Mr Cohen put his name to a brilliant newspaper essay entitled Why I’m becoming a Jew and why you should, too. Of
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in