Jerusalem, a city revered by many, has been a focal point of historical and political discourse for centuries. The legal foundations of Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem are deeply rooted in a series of historical treaties and international agreements, most notably the 1924 Anglo-American Treaty. Farley Weiss and Leonard Grunstein’s book, “Because It’s Just and Right: The Untold Back-Story of the US Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel and Moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem,” sheds light on these significant legal milestones and their implications for Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem.
The San Remo Resolution: A Cornerstone of Jewish Sovereignty
The journey to legal recognition of Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem began with the San Remo Resolution of 1920. This resolution was adopted by the Allied Supreme Council, which included Britain, France, Italy, and Japan, with the United States endorsing its principles. The San Remo Resolution incorporated the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
The San Remo Resolution legally sanctioned the mandate system under the League of Nations, formally recognizing the Jewish people’s right to reestablish their national home in Palestine. This resolution was not merely symbolic; it provided a legal framework for Jewish settlement in the land, including Jerusalem. According to Weiss and Grunstein, the San Remo Resolution unequivocally affirmed the Jewish people’s historical connection to Jerusalem and their right to sovereignty over the city.
The 1924 Anglo-American Treaty: Legal Reinforcement
The 1924 Anglo-American Treaty, also known as the Palestine Mandate Convention, further solidified the legal foundations of Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem. This treaty was ratified by the US Senate and signed by President Calvin Coolidge. It formally recognized the terms of the Mandate for Palestine as set forth by the League of Nations and the San Remo Resolution.
The Anglo-American Treaty emphasized the Jewish people’s historical ties to the land of Palestine and endorsed the establishment of a Jewish national home. It legally bound the United States to the provisions of the Mandate, including the facilitation of Jewish immigration and settlement in Palestine. This treaty underscored the US commitment to supporting Jewish sovereignty in the region, including Jerusalem.
Weiss and Grunstein highlight that the Anglo-American Treaty was a critical legal document that reinforced the Jewish people’s right to settle in Jerusalem and other parts of Palestine. It provided a robust legal foundation that continues to underpin Jewish claims to sovereignty over Jerusalem.
Implications for Contemporary Politics
The legal foundations established by the San Remo Resolution and the Anglo-American Treaty have profound implications for contemporary Middle Eastern politics. These historical treaties provide a robust legal basis for Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem, countering claims that Israel’s presence in the city is illegitimate.
Weiss and Grunstein emphasize that recognizing the historical and legal rights of the Jewish people to Jerusalem is essential for a just and balanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The legal recognition of Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem contributes to the stability and legitimacy of the State of Israel, providing a firm foundation for future peace negotiations.
The legal foundations of Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem are deeply rooted in historical treaties and international agreements, most notably the San Remo Resolution and the 1924 Anglo-American Treaty. These legal instruments unequivocally affirmed the Jewish people’s historical connection to Jerusalem and their right to sovereignty over the city. Farley Weiss and Leonard Grunstein’s book, “Because It’s Just and Right,” provides a comprehensive analysis of these significant legal milestones and their enduring implications for Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem.
As we navigate the complexities of contemporary Middle Eastern politics, it is crucial to recognize and honor these historical legal foundations. They not only affirm the Jewish people’s rightful claim to Jerusalem but also provide a path toward a just and lasting peace in the region.