Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel facts for kids

The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel is a special document. It announced that Israel would become an independent and sovereign state (a country with its own government).

What is the Declaration of Israel?

This declaration was the official announcement that a Jewish state, called the State of Israel, was being created. This important event happened on May 14, 1948. In the Hebrew language, Medinat Yisrael means the State of Israel.

The new State of Israel was formed on land that was once known as the British Mandate of Palestine. This area was part of the British Empire. Long ago, the ancient Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah were also located in this same region.

Some people refer to this event as the start of the "Third Jewish Commonwealth." The "First Jewish Commonwealth" ended when Solomon's Temple was destroyed. The "Second Jewish Commonwealth" ended about 2,000 years ago with the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

How Israel Was Declared

On November 29, 1947, the United Nations made an important decision. They passed a resolution that suggested creating both an Arab State and a Jewish State in Palestine. This resolution also recommended steps to help set up these new states.

On May 12, 1948, leaders of the Jewish national administration met. They gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Their main goal was to decide if they should accept an American offer for a truce or declare the new State of Israel. Six out of ten members voted to declare the state.

Two days later, on May 14, 1948, the Jewish National Council (Vaad Leumi) met in Tel Aviv. At midnight on May 14, 1948, a member of the Council read the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel aloud.

The declaration was written in a style often used for United Nations documents. The first sentences explained why the declaration was being made. They also stated the right of Jewish people to have their own independent country. Later sentences described what the new Jewish state would be like.

Important Words from the Declaration

Here are some key ideas from the declaration:

• The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people.
• Their spiritual, religious, and political identity was formed there.
• They first created a state there and developed important cultural values.
• They gave the world the "eternal Book of Books" (the Bible).
• Even after being forced to leave their land, Jewish people always hoped to return.
• They prayed to regain their political freedom in their homeland.
• Because of this strong historical connection, Jewish people always tried to return.
• In recent times, many Jewish people came back to their ancient homeland.

Who Recognized Israel?

The United States, the Soviet Union, and many other major countries quickly accepted the State of Israel. This means they officially recognized Israel as an independent country under international law.

However, many Arab countries and countries in the Middle East did not agree with Israel's creation. They did not recognize Israel as a sovereign (independent) country. Still, many countries that did not officially recognize Israel still had trade and other relationships with it.

Images for kids

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  The UN partition plan

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  On the day of its proclamation, Eliahu Epstein wrote to Harry S. Truman about the new state.

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  A happy crowd outside the Tel Aviv Museum on Rothschild Boulevard, waiting to hear the Declaration.

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  The invitation to the ceremony, dated May 13, 1948.

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  David Ben-Gurion declaring independence under a large portrait of Theodor Herzl, who started modern Zionism.

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  Ben Gurion (left) signing the Declaration of Independence, held by Moshe Sharett.

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  Independence Hall in 2007.