Letters
Fond reflections of Churchill
04 February 2005
Dear Sir
The 40th anniversary of the death of Sir Winston Churchill prompts some reflections on this truly iconic British politician. While his towering record as an international statesman is fondly remembered, his consistent and long standing philo-semitism is often overlooked. He was a noted opponent of the aliens act, designed to limit Jewish immigration to Britain at the turn of the century. He argued that there was no reason for 'departing from the old tolerant and generous practice of free entry and asylum to which this country has long adhered.'
While many of his colleagues flirted with prejudice, opposing anti-semitism whether in Tsarist Russia, Nazi Germany or the Foreign Office, became a consistent feature of his political life. Unsurprising, Churchill was an enthusiastic supporter of the Balfour Declaration and he described the Zionist dream in reverential tones.
On a visit to Palestine in 1920, he remarked that the future creation of a Jewish state would be a 'great event in the world's destiny.' Churchill was happy to see the Jewish state created in 1948, urging its recognition and during the Suez crisis, he urged support for Israel against its 'ill treatment by the Egyptians.'
Interestingly, Churchill called for Israel to be included in the British Commonwealth, arguing that, as a force in the world, Israel's inclusion might stop the unravelling of the empire he loved. Sadly, he was overruled by his peers.
Yours sincerely
Jeremy Havardi
top