BY  ROY THURLEY

In this illustrated talk we will explore how Christians and Jews working together brought about this Declaration, the foundation document for the State of Israel. Theresa May, the current British Prime Minister, referred to the Balfour Declaration as "one of the most important letters in history. It demonstrates Britain's vital role in creating a homeland for the Jewish people."

Arthur James Balfour (British Prime Minister 1902-5, Foreign Secretary 1916-9) wrote a letter in 1917 to Baron Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community, in which he declared for transmission that: "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….”

Although the Balfour Declaration had no legal status, it was later incorporated into legal documents in the British Mandate,  in the San Remo Declaration 0f 1920, as well as being mentioned in the King Faisal-Weizman Agreement of 1919.

Christians were instrumental in achieving this Declaration therefore it is right for us to honour Christians today who continue to work hard for the State of Israel. Let us show our recognition and gratitude and learn about it from experts at this Talk and Exhibition.

Roy Thurley has been involved in pro-Israel work for 35 years, being UK Director of Christian Friends of Israel prior to his retirement. He is a director of Balfour 100 Ltd, a Christian organisation promoting a major celebration of the Centenary of the Balfour Declaration at the Royal Albert Hall on 7th November.