Israel 1967 Balfour Declaration State Medal by Paul Vincze 45mm 48g Silver 935

1967, State Medal

Work of the artist Paul Vincze.

Silver 935, Weight: 48gr. Diameter: 45mm. Mintage: 3971.

"Dear Lord Rothschild, 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 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 should be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the knowledge of the Zionist Federation. Yours sincerely, Arthur James Balfour."

The Balfour Declaration, issued on 2nd November 1917, was an official expression of support for the establishment of a homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine. A difficult political struggle preceded the issuing of the Declaration which bore the signature of Arthur James Balfour, Britain's Minister for Foreign Affairs. In the vanguard of the battle stood a group of Zionist leaders led by Dr. Chaim Weizmann. The Declaration was approved by the French, Italian, and Japanese Governments and by Woodrow Wilson, the President of the United States. The Balfour Declaration was the basis upon which the Mandate over Palestine was awarded to Britain by the San Remo Conference in 1920, ratified by the League of Nations in 1922.

The effigy of Lord Balfour and his signature appear on the medal's obverse. Around the upper part the words: "Balfour Declaration" in Hebrew and English. In the area beneath, the anniversary dates "Heshvan 17, 5678-5728" in Hebrew and "November 2, 1917-1967" in English.

The reverse is dominated by an ancient olive tree, symbolizing the Jewish people in their homeland. The inscription reads "To give thee this land to inherit" (Genesis 15:7) in Hebrew and English.

This item was Issued by Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation Ltd.

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