Balfour Declaration
A Public Statement Issued by the British Government in1917
Historical Context
The Balfour Declaration was issued during World War I, a period of significant geopolitical change. The British government, seeking to gain support from Jewish leaders for the war effort, issued a public statement expressing support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then under Ottoman rule.
The declaration was a significant turning point in the history of Palestine, as it legitimized Zionist claims to the land and paved the way for the eventual establishment of the State of Israel.
The Declaration
The Balfour Declaration is contained in a letter dated November2,1917, from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community. The letter states:
"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."
Impact
The Balfour Declaration had a profound impact on the history of Palestine. It led to significant controversy and conflict, particularly regarding the rights and future of the existing non-Jewish population in Palestine.
The declaration's legacy continues to be felt today, with ongoing debates about its implications for Palestinian statehood and Israeli identity.