The Balfour Declaration, issued on November 2, 1917, is often viewed as a pivotal moment in Jewish history, primarily driven by British interests during World War I.
At that time, Britain sought Jewish support for the Allied cause while also maintaining relations with the United States and Russia. Over the years, however, the Declaration has been a source of controversy, with some, including the Palestinian Authority, labeling it a "crime."
The declaration, more than just a unilateral British statement, reflected broader international support. Prior to its issuance, British officials, including Foreign Minister Jules Cambon, expressed sympathy for the Jewish cause, framing it as a revival of Jewish nationality in Palestine. Additionally, the British secured the backing of President Woodrow Wilson and incorporated the pledge into the League of Nations Mandate in 1922, thereby transforming it into a binding international obligation supported by numerous countries.
The Balfour Declaration affirmed the Jewish connection to the Holy Land, recognizing historical rights that existed long before its formal acknowledgment. David Ben Gurion highlighted this by stating that the Bible serves as the Jews' mandate for their historical ties to the land. Chaim Weizmann described it as an "act of restitution," emphasizing its moral significance and its role in rectifying historical wrongs.