Author Daniel Gordis to Discuss Centennial of Landmark Statement on Jewish Statehood at October 30 Robbins-Wilf Lecture

Dr. Daniel Gordis

As the centennial of the Balfour Declaration—a public statement issued by the British government during World War I announcing support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in what was then Palestine—approaches, acclaimed author Dr. Daniel Gordis will discuss the Declaration’s meaning and significance at Stern College for Women’s annual Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf Scholar-in-Residence Lecture on Monday, October 30. Titled “Balfour Delcaration: Origins and Legacy,” the lecture will take place at Yeshiva University Museum/Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York City (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues). Gordis is senior vice president and Koret Distinguished Fellow at Shalem College in Jerusalem, Israel, as well as the author of more than 10 books and a regular columnist for both the Jerusalem Post and Bloomberg View. His newest book is a history of the State of Israel entitled Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn, which received the 2016 National Jewish Book Award as “Book of the Year,” and his writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The New Republic, The New York Times Magazine, Azure, Commentary Magazine and Foreign Affairs. His books have received numerous awards. "A century after it was issued, the Balfour Declaration has either been largely forgotten, or is perceived as a British imperialist land-grab," said Gordis. "The truth behind the Balfour Declaration, however, is very different; the celebration of its centennial affords us an opportunity to reflect on the international consensus it once represented, the commitment to freedom and self-determination which lay at its core and the extraordinary success that Zionism has been since Lord Balfour wrote a brief letter that changed the world.” “Yeshiva University welcomes Dr. Daniel Gordis, a prodigious scholar and inspiring essayist, whose analyses of the Middle East have enlightened and informed students, faculty, and citizens alike,” said Dr. Selma Botman, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We look forward to his discussion of a foundational document, the Balfour Declaration, and to his role as scholar-in-residence.” “Over the years, the Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf Scholar-In-Residence Program has brought to campus an extraordinary group of speakers who have presented topics of timely and critical importance,” said Karen Bacon, The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz Dean of the Undergraduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “This year’s program, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration and bringing to campus a scholar whose work has had deep impact, follows in this tradition.” Tickets are complimentary and are available online at yeshiva.imodules.com/balfour. For more information, call 212.960.5400 x5430 or email millan@yu.edu.