The State of 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.
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 (Third Temple), 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.
Edmund De Rothschild of France, and Lionel Walter Rothschild of the UK (both identified with the Sykes-Picot line) began supporting Jewish settlements in Palestine in 1882.
By 1891, there were land purchases near Sephed for agricultural development, including vineyards, and in 1899, Rothschild transferred colonies and 15 million francs to the Jewish Colonization Association (JCA) with the idea of sustainable development and structured management.
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 continued til the State of Israel's formation.
Political Influence and the Balfour Declaration
Lionel Walter Rothschild's influence is particularly highlighted regarding the Balfour Declaration of 1917. Lord Rothschild glowingly received the declaration, as a receipt for land in Palestine.
A land that the British don't own but signed away to a Zionist organisation.
Institutional Foundations and Legacy
- The Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA) was established in 1924 with the aim if aiding in the rebuilding of colonies.
- Israel's capital building the Knesset, was financed by James and Dorothy Rothschild.
- [[David Ben Gurion]], founder and first prime minister of Israel, was backed by James Rothschild.
- Baron Rothschild's burial site is in Israel.
- The Rothschild family has been recognised on Israeli currency, illustrated on the 500 shekel note, featuring Baron Edmond de Rothschild.
