A video capturing a protester defacing a portrait of Lord Balfour at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, has sparked controversy after being widely circulated online.
Lord Balfour, a key figure in the Balfour Declaration and a staunch supporter of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, has been the subject of renewed scrutiny.
In a letter dated November 2, 1917, Lord Balfour wrote to Lord Rothschild, stating, "the British government looks with favour upon the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country."
At the time of penning this influential letter, Balfour held the position of Foreign Secretary. He also served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905.
The activist group "Palestine Action" claimed responsibility for the act of vandalism, posting a video of the incident on Instagram. The group's caption for the video directly addressed the historical significance of the Balfour Declaration in the establishment of a Jewish state. "Written in 1917, Balfours declaration began the ethnic cleansing of Palestine by promising the land away which the British never had the right to do," the caption read. The group further alleged that the British government's actions following the Declaration led to the displacement and massacre of Palestinians.
The group also made references to American politics in their posts. One such post read, "Palestine is not going to be liberated because the Democrats suddenly have a moral awakening & decide to go against their AIPAC & weapons industry donors." The group identifies itself as a "direct action network dismantling British complicity in Israeli apartheid."
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to be a contentious issue in the United States, causing divisions within the Democratic Party. Recently, protesters confronted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., demanding that she label Israels offensive in Gaza as a "genocide." President Biden has also faced interruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators during his speeches.
In response to the defacement of Lord Balfour's portrait, a spokesperson for Trinity College released a statement to Fox News Digital, expressing regret over the incident and confirming that the police had been informed. "Trinity College regrets the damage caused to a portrait of Arthur James Balfour during public opening hours," the statement read. "The police have been informed. Support is available for any member of the College community affected."
Despite attempts to reach out, Palestine Action has not responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
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