Palestine-Related Documents
Zionism: Basle Program: 31 Aug., 1897
"The aim of Zionism is to create for the Jewish people a home in palestine
secured by public law.
The congress contemplates the following means to the attainment of this
end:
1. The promotion, on suitable lines, of the colonization of
Palestine by
Jewish agricultural and industrial workers.
2. The organization and binding together of the whole Jewry by
means of
appropriate institutions, local and international, in acordance with the
laws of each country.
3. The strengthening and fostering of Jewish national sentiment and
counsciousness.
4. Preparatory steps towards obtaining government consent, where
necessary, to the attainment of the aim of Zionism."
[from:The essential Chaim Weizman]
The Balfour Declaration: Nov., 2, 1917
" Dear Lord Rithchild,
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 favour the establishment in
Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best
endeavours tofacilitate the achievenment 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 should be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the
knowledge of the Zionist Federation.
Signed: Arthur James Balfour"
[from: The essential Chaim Weizman]
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