Speech #870192232

The Jewish settlement in Palestine came into being as a result of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following World War I and the determination of the leaders of the World Zionist Movement. which was organized at Basle. Switzerland. in 1897. Subsequently. land was purchased in Palestine and an active scheme for the promotion of immigration of Jews to Palestine adopted. By 1909 the World Zionist Movement was so successful that a new cityTel Avivwas founded on the Mediterranean and the first collective farm was established at Degania. The British. whose troops aided by Arab allies occupied the territory of Palestine during World War I. came out firmly in support of a national homeland for Jews in the Balfour Declaration of The Declaration was supported by President Wilson and later endorsed by the U.S.