Jonathan Freedland

Jonathan Saul Freedland (born February 25, 1967) is a British journalist, who writes a weekly column for The Guardian and a monthly piece for the Jewish Chronicle. Freedland has previously written for The Daily Mirror and as of September 2005, he writes each Thursday for the London Evening Standard. He is the son of Michael Freedland, the biographer and journalist.

Educated at University College School, a boys' independent school in Hampstead, London, and at Wadham College at the University of Oxford, he started his 'Fleet Street' career at the short-lived Sunday Correspondent. He also presents BBC Radio 4’s contemporary history series, The Long View. He was named 'Columnist of the Year' in the 2002 What the Papers Say awards.

Wielding great influence on British Jewry

In 2008, The Jeruselem Chronicle declared 'the top spots' on their second annual list of those who 'wield the greatest influence on British Jewry'. Jonathan Freedland is listed at number 18. The criteria for being listed is described as 'those with a vision for Jewish life in this country and who did their utmost to bring it about using either money; persuasion; religion; culture; political or social leadership; or simply inspiring through word and deed'. In order for someone to be listed in the top 20, it was generally necessary to demonstrate influence in more than one of the spheres.

In the article Freedland is described as a...

'supporter of Israel in the columns of The Guardian and a regular JC contributor. The early career of Oxford-educated Mr Freedland, 41, included reporting stints on the Washington Post and BBC News. He was The Guardian’s Washington correspondent from 1993-97 and his radio work includes the Radio 4 contemporary history series, The Long View. Among his literary output is Jacob’s Gift, a memoir telling the stories of three generations of his family and exploring wider issues of identity and belonging. Michael Freedland, Freedland’s father, 'forged a different journalistic path as a celebrity biographer'.

Others included in the list were Lord Levy (number 9), Ron Prosor (number 10), Daniel Finkelstein (number 11), John Mann (number 17), Trevor Chinn (number 14), Julia Neuberger (number 19), Lord Janner (number 20), Prime Minister Gordon Brown (number 29) & Poju Zabludowicz (number 30).