Balfour Declaration Jubilee

Balfour Declaration Jubilee
State Medal, 5728-1967

The Balfour Declaration, issued on November 2nd, 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.

Obverse: A figure of Lord Balfour and his signature. 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.

Reverse: An ancient olive tree symbolizing the Jewish people in their homeland and the inscription: "To give thee this land to inherit" (Genesis 1 5:7) in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and in English. The silver medals bear "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Sterling" in English. The gold medals have "G 91 7".

Serialization: All the medals have been numbered. Bronze numbered to 4999. 26 have been melted. Silver numbered to 4000. 29 have been melted.

Designer: Paul Vincze, London.

Engraving: La Zecca, Rome.

Mint: Kretschmer: Bronze and Silver. Gold minted by La Zecca, Rome.