In the text of his letter, Arthur Balfour, a former Prime Minister and then Foreign Secretary, managed to epitomise a position on homeland and identity that stands to this day. In recognition that at least a social coexistence was possible, starting with a Jewish nation and the preservation of non-Jewish rights in practice, he sent a clear message to its recipient that he and his country could see a way ahead for justice and historical restitution.
“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.”
– Arthur James Balfour/Balfour Declaration/1917.
It’s now believed that this letter setup a real effort to make a genuine place for Jews. They didn’t have one before it, and such an indication from a powerful State meant that a powerless people had a voice again. It also ensured a path to self-determination, giving a unique people group a way do it that didn’t involve the response of the sponsor nation. The rest is history, showing it’s possible for once.
The ethic involved is lost on those that don’t see planning as an important part of foreign policy. Britain as it was wouldn’t stand in the way. It also had no desire to see anyone else block it either. But a lack of moral backbone is now in international realms, as Israel finds no response among many nations to its claim Hamas is a terror group at war with it constantly. This threatens its state of affairs.