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Subscribe to the weekly Gamla News Newsletter! Enter your email address here: Email this article to a friend!The Balfour Declaration
During the First World War, British policy became
gradually committed to the idea of establishing a Jewish home in
Palestine (Eretz Yisrael). After discussions in the British
Cabinet, and consultation with Zionist leaders, the decision was
made known in the form of a letter by Arthur James Lord Balfour to
Lord Rothschild. The letter represents the first political
recognition of Zionist aims by a Great Power.
Dear Lord Rothschild,
I have much pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of His
Majesty's Government, the following declaration of sympathy with
Jewish Zionist aspirations which has been submitted to, and approved
by, the Cabinet.
"His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in
Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use
their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object,
it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may
prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish
communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed
by Jews in any other country."
I should be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the
knowledge of the Zionist Federation.
Yours sincerely, |