Illuminating the Balfour Project: Advocating for Equal Rights in Palestine/Israel

Welcome to a deep dive into the fascinating and crucial work of the Balfour Project. This non-profit organization is grounded in the historical understanding of Britain’s role in Palestine and dedicated to promoting equal rights for all in Palestine/Israel. Let’s explore the intricacies of this organization, its key members, and its objectives as discussed in a recent meeting held on July 15, 2024.

About the Balfour Project

The Balfour Project was conceived by British academics with an aim to shed light on Britain’s historical involvement in Palestine, stretching from 1840 to the present day. The organization draws particular attention to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, pinpointing it as the inception of the conflict in the region. Through education and advocacy, the Balfour Project strives to raise public awareness of Britain’s ongoing and historic responsibilities in Palestine/Israel. They seek to influence the British Parliament and Government to uphold the rule of law and fundamental human rights in Israel/Palestine, and push for the implementation of a two-state solution.

The Voice of the Balfour Project: Timothy Mattar

A critical figure in the Balfour Project, Timothy Mattar, serves as the Treasurer and Trustee. With nearly 40 years of experience in the finance industry at various levels, including as a CEO, Timothy brings a unique perspective to the table. His insights during the meeting offered a deeper look into the organization’s goals and strategies.

“Recognition of the state of Palestine is important,” Timothy stated, outlining some of the Project’s key objectives. These include restoring UNRWA funding, retracting the previous government’s ICC intervention, and reviewing Israel’s human rights violations in light of arms sales.

The Project’s strategies are three-fold. Firstly, advocacy and education play a significant role, with many board members being academics who regularly appear in press and media. Secondly, they have a fellowship program that supports 20 fellows and 6-8 projects each year. Lastly, they host an annual conference that attracts both physical and virtual attendees.

Challenges and Objectives

The meeting also delved into discussing the different perspectives on the Israel-Palestine issue. Laith, another participant in the meeting, spoke about the history of Israel being based on colonialism, and the role of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces. He also voiced his skepticism about the two-state solution, viewing it as a continuation of oppression.

Timothy, however, argued against the one-state solution and the status quo, pointing out that 146 nations have recognized Palestine and that a two-state solution would have to be imposed rather than negotiated.

A Call to Action

One of the key takeaways from the meeting is the need for international recognition and support for the state of Palestine. Timothy believes that if the UK recognizes Palestine, other countries like France and Australia will follow suit.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Do things that are in front of us first, then move on to the next,” Timothy reminded everyone, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and realistic goal-setting in this journey towards achieving equal rights for all in Palestine/Israel.

Freedom Advocacy Network

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