The Rothchilds & Palestine

Early Ideas and Proposals (Pre-Rothschild Involvement)

Moses Hess, described as the "father of utopian socialism," wrote the book Rome and Jerusalem: The Last Nationalist Question in 1861. According to the source, Hess's book proposed a plan for the "repositioning of Israel" in Palestine.

He reportedly foresaw the organisation of a society to settle the Holy Land with Jewish colonists under the protection of Western nations. Hess is also said to have discussed the idea of fusing all historical cults into one, potentially involving the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem, and suggested utilising Freemasonry as a means to amalgamate these cults.

Hess, an atheist utopian socialist, mentioned the Rothschild brothers as being involved in this plan as early as 1861. A proposal from 1861 is mentioned where a society aimed "to enable the Jews to acquire the land on Mount Zion on which houses for the accommodation of Jewish pilgrims should be built," intended as a first step toward a Jewish settlement in Palestine.

The American newspaper (Niles Weekly Register, Baltimore) in 1829 claimed that Jerusalem was purchased by the Rothschilds, predating the state of Israel.

Rothschild Involvement in Colonisation Efforts

The Rothschild family played a major role in the Jewish colonisation of Palestine, with their involvement beginning in the 1880s and extending into the 20th century. This history influenced the events that led to the creation of the state of Israel in 1947.

This involvement is based on works such as The two Rothschilds in the Land of Israel by Simon Shama and Rothschild and early colonization of Palestine by Ran Arensson.

Two key figures from the family are identified:

• Edmund De Rothschild of France (identified with Pico of the Sykes-Picot line)
• Lionel Walter Rothschild of the UK (identified with Sykes of the Sykes-Pico line)

According to Simon Shama's work as presented in the source:

• In 1882, Edmund de Rothschild began supporting Jewish settlements in Palestine.
• By 1891, there were land purchases near Sephed for agricultural development, including vineyards.
• In 1899, Rothschild transferred colonies and 15 million francs to the Jewish Colonization Association (JCA).

Ran Arensson's work, provides further detail on the timeline of Rothschild's initial involvement, starting from 1882-1883. This period saw experts and agents sent to manage agricultural colonies. Investment in infrastructure, such as wineries and schools, occurred from 1887 to 1890 and reportedly continues.

In 1890, management of the endeavours was transferred to the Jewish Colonization Association, described as having an idea of sustainable development and structured management. The source notes that the JCA title itself suggests colonisation was the objective.

The two branches each have distinct roles:

• Edmund D. Rothschild (French branch): Provided direct philanthropic funding and supported colony development.
• Lionel Walter Rothschild (British branch): Held political influence and was the recipient of the Balfour Declaration.

Both branches were instrumental in developing long-term Zionist infrastructure.

Political Influence and the Balfour Declaration

Lionel Walter Rothschild's influence is particularly highlighted regarding the Balfour Declaration of 1917. According to the source, Lord Rothschild received the declaration, which is described as a "receipt for land in Palestine that the British don't own but they're going to sign away to a Zionist organisation". The source further claims that Lord Rothschild's relative wrote the first draft of this declaration and was also its recipient, characterising it as a "receipt for a transaction". A picture showing Bibi Netanyahu and Lord Rothschild looking at the original copy of the Balfour Declaration is presented as evidence.

Institutional Foundations and Legacy

Rothschild endeavours were foundational to key institutions in the early colonisation efforts.

• The Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA) was established in 1924 and is stated to have aided in rebuilding colonies. This association's name, containing "colonisation," is noted by the source.
• The source explicitly states that James and Dorothy Rothschild financed the Knesset, which is described as Israel's capital building.
• David Ben Gurion, founder and first prime minister of Israel, is stated to have been backed by James the Rothschild.
• Baron Rothschild's burial site is in Israel.
• The Rothschild family has been recognised on Israeli currency, shown via an image of a 500 shekel note featuring Baron Edmond de Rothschild.

Connecting to Later Events

Israel's founders were international bankers who created their own state after World War II. The historical involvement of the Rothschild family, beginning in the 1800s, influenced the events leading up to the establishment of Israel in 1947.

Denying the connection between the Rothschilds and the establishment of Israel is to deny readily available history and artefacts. An example of this connection cited is James de Rothschild's letter to the Ben-Gurion family in 1957 regarding the 75-year legacy.

While other people populated the land and did the work, international bankers ultimately reaped the benefits of creating the state.