The Balfour Declaration (1917)

What’s the story? His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors 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. -Excerpt from the declaration letter sent by Lord Balfour on November 2nd, 1917 (Mattar) -

Basic facts The declaration was written in November of 1917 The declaration, in its entirety, was only 67 words long It came in the form of a letter that was written by Arthur Balfour, which he sent to Lionel Walter Rothschild The declaration revealed Britain’s support for a “National Home” for Jews in Palestine

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Leaders and groups involved Great Britain Influential Zionist Leaders Zionists: Supporters of the formation of a Jewish nation Lord Arthur James Balfour, who was the British Foreign Secretary. He sent the letter which stated Britain’s support for a Jewish home state. Zionist philanthropist, Lionel Walter Rothschild. Balfour sent the letter declaring Britain’s support to Rothschild.. He also helped draft the declaration for a Jewish homeland (Mattar).

Support received Britain drafted this document with hopes for French and Russian support during the war.. The British crafted the Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916, which awarded territory in the Middle East (including Palestine) to its allies in exchange for Jewish funding during WWI, and help convincing the US to enter the war (Mattar).

Level of success The results of the declaration were a success, both for Britain and for Zionists hoping to make a “national home” for the Jews in Palestine. The declaration paved the way for the eventual formation of the state of Israel in 1948, after WWII. In 1917, 50,000 Jews lived in Palestine. By 1947, this number grew to over 600,000 Jews (Mattar).

Why tell this story? The Balfour Declaration paved the way for Israel to declare independence in 1948. This declaration, along with growing anger and tensions from the neighboring Arab states, acted as a catalyst to a string of on-going conflicts between the Israelis and Palestinians. These conflicts still have immense effects on the region today

Pleading for peace Excerpt from Israel’s former foreign minister, Golda Meir’s 1957 speech at the United Nations General Assembly entitled “Peace with Our Arab Neighbors”: “…Would it not be better for all to build a future for the Middle East based on cooperation? Israel will exist and flourish even without peace, but surely a future of peace would be better for Israel and for its neighbors.” - Golda Meir link

Why is the story important? This story is important because it reveals some of the motivation and strategic planning behind the formation of the Israel and Palestine we see today. Britain wanted to please its allies in exchange for help to win a war, and saw Palestine as an area for political influence

Resources “A Taste for Power: Empire?A British Chronicle,” director. Films Media Group, 2012, http://online.infobase.com/hrc/search/videodetails/3?videoid=186440. Mattar, Philip. “Balfour Declaration.” Encyclopedia of the Palestinians, Revised Edition, Facts On File, 2005, Modern World History Online, http://online.infobase.com/hrc/search/details/270803?q=balfour declaration. Meir, Golda. “"Peace with Our Arab Neighbors"” Primary Source Documents: 1950 to 1959, Facts On File, 2014, Modern World History Online, http://online.infobase.com/hrc/search/print?assetid=6188&assettype=pri marysource.