British-Israel-World Federation facts for kids

The British-Israel-World Federation is an organization based in the United Kingdom. It promotes a belief called British Israelism. This belief suggests that people from the British Isles are direct descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of ancient Israel. The group was founded in London on 3 July 1919. Its ideas had been around since the 1800s.

What is the British-Israel-World Federation?

In the 1800s, many smaller groups believed in British Israelism. By 1919, about 80 of these groups joined together. They came from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. Together, they formed the British-Israel-World Federation.

A very important supporter of this group was Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone. She was a member of the British Royal Family. Princess Alice attended the Federation's first big meeting in 1920. She continued to support the group until she passed away in 1981.

One of the people who helped start the Federation was William Pascoe Goard. He became a vice president in 1921. In 1922, Goard also started Covenant Publishing Company. This company published books and magazines for the Federation. One of their main magazines was The National Message, which was published until 1981. Today, the Federation publishes The Covenant Nations magazine.

The organization had an office near Buckingham Palace from 1924. In 1990, it moved to Putney in London. Since 2003, its main office has been near Bishop Auckland in County Durham.

What Do They Believe?

The main idea of British Israelism is that people from Western Europe, especially those in Great Britain, are direct descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. These tribes were ancient groups of Israelites who disappeared from history. The belief often includes the idea that the British Royal Family is directly related to King David from the Bible.

However, modern science does not support these beliefs. Scientists use genetics, archaeology, and studies of cultures and languages. They have found no evidence to prove that people in Britain are descendants of the ancient Israelite tribes.

Where Do They Operate?

The British-Israel-World Federation started in the United Kingdom. Over time, it has grown and now has branches in other countries. These include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Important Supporters

Many important people have supported the British-Israel-World Federation over the years. These supporters are called patrons or vice-patrons.

Patrons

• Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone (1919-1981)
• Lady Sara Allenby

Vice-Patrons

• William Pascoe Goard
• Admiral Sir Richard H. Peirse

See also

• Canadian British-Israel Association
• Covenant Publishing Company
• William Pascoe Goard