The Balfour Declaration, issued on November 2, 1917, is attributed to the British Foreign Secretary, Arthur James Balfour, known for his sympathy with Zionist ideas and his support for the Zionists. It was a statement of sympathy and endorsement for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine, addressed by Balfour to Lord Lionel Rothschild.
Balfour was born in 1848 in Whittingehame, which is now known as Luthian and located in Scotland. He studied the teachings of the Old Testament (Torah) during his early education and held various political positions in his country, starting from his election to Parliament in 1874, culminating in his appointment as Prime Minister in 1902 and serving as the Foreign Secretary from 1916 to 1919. He passed away at the age of 82.
Balfour opposed Jewish migration to Eastern Europe, fearing its movement towards Britain. He believed it was better for Britain to exploit Jews in supporting the kingdom from outside Europe. He believed in the Zionist ability to influence America to join World War I alongside Britain. His message to Lord Rothschild was the first step taken by the West to establish a Jewish entity in Palestine, giving what he did not possess to those who did not deserve it.
The text of the message states: "I have much pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, the following declaration of sympathy with Jewish Zionist aspirations, which has been submitted to, and approved by, the Cabinet: His Majesty's Government view with favor 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. I would be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the knowledge of the Zionist Federation."