It’s a sad day when the IBCA, an organization, which has always in past years worked to foster ties between Israel and Britain and the British Commonwealth, feels that recent decisions by UK and Australian governments make it inappropriate to memorialize the Balfour Declaration. It is worth noting the reason why Lord Balfour issued the Declaration when he did. I once listened to a lecturer on the subject who also wondered why the declaration was made and why then. In 1917 Palestine was still part of the crumbling Ottoman Empire; the British although obviously winning had not yet obtained full control of Palestine. There was no political or strategic benefit involved; Jews had no significant influence in Britain or elsewhere in 1917; in fact the Declaration may well have hardened opposition in the Arab world to British influence. The answer is clear; in 1917 Britain was a Christian country; the British cabinet was packed with Christians who took their faith seriously; they read the Bible regularly; they considered it their duty to follow the word of G-d which bequeathed the land of Israel to the Jewish people. They also understood the words spoken to Abraham. “Those who bless the Jews shall be blessed; those who curse the Jews shall be cursed”.
In 1917 Britain was a world power; the British Empire covered the globe.
Sadly, Britain reneged on her promise to the Jews; reneged on her treaty obligations codified in the conditions of the mandate awarded to Britain by the League of Nations; then formalized by the Treaty of San Remo in 1920. Today Britain Is one of the most irreligious countries in the world; it has no moral fiber, Britain is now a country of little significance. “Those who bless the Jews shall be blessed; those who curse the Jews shall be cursed”.
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