COLUMN: 100-year anniversary of declaration that created Israel
Dec. 27, 2017 The year 2017 saw the 100-year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. It was a letter approved by the British cabinet that supported the establishment of a nation for the Jewish people. The declaration was ratified by the League of Nations Nov. 2, 1922, which led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. In 2017, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing the importance of the Balfour Declaration and its goals to support the rights of Jewish and non-Jewish communities. While several nations - including France, Germany and Japan - had considered or were considering similar plans at that time, Britain's action is recognized
"His Majesty's Government view with favour [sic] 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." There are several bills in Congress to support actions that facilitate peace in the Middle East. The Taylor Force Act prohibits American tax dollars going to groups that are financially rewarding the families of terrorists. In addition, The Israel Anti- Boycott Act, which has been introduced this year in both the House and Senate, is designed to protect U.S. businesses and individuals from being pressured into an economic boycott of Israel or other friendly nations by international governmental organizations. The year 2017 included the anniversaries of several major events relating to Israel. These include the 50th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem; the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls; the 95th anniversary of the League of Nations Mandate; and the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the modern state of Israel. "The biblical and historical connection of the land of Israel to the Jewish people is undisputed," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. "The modern legal right to the land is also clear from the Balfour Declaration to the League of Nations Mandate. Israel is not an occupier of disputed territories but the rightful possessor of the land. “This small part of the world is a beacon of hope for democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Each time I visit Israel, I am amazed by the contribution this tiny country has had on technological advances, medical breakthroughs, and agricultural improvements in the world. Every aspect of our daily lives is positively affected by Israel," said Staver. Editor's note: Founded in 1989, Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit that provides pro bono legal assistance on issues it defines as pertaining to religious freedom, the sanctity of life and the family. (Opinion: General) Would you like to respond to this article? The Westside Pioneer welcomes feedback to "General" items (to appear under this subcategory) at editor@westsidepioneer.com. (Click here for letter-writing criteria.) |