James de Rothschild
British Liberal MP and president of the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (1878–1957)
| James de Rothschild
| |
|---|---|
| Born | 1878 Paris |
| Died | 1957 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Politician, philanthropist |
| Known for | President of the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association; funding the Knesset building |
| Parents | Edmond James de Rothschild |
James Armand de Rothschild (1878–1957) was a British politician, Zionist and philanthropist, and the son of Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Born in Paris, he was taken to England at an early age and became a British subject.[1] From 1924 until his death he was president of the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA). He sat as Liberal MP for the Isle of Ely from 1929 to 1945.[1]
First World War and the Jewish Legion
The Encyclopaedia Judaica says Rothschild served in France during the First World War and was then transferred, as a major, to General Allenby's staff in the Middle East. He was sent to Palestine to recruit volunteers for the Palestinian battalion of the Jewish Legion (the Royal Fusiliers). When the Zionist Commission arrived in Palestine in 1918 he was seconded to it as liaison officer.[1]
PICA
Main article: Palestine Jewish Colonization Association
In 1924 he was appointed president for life of the newly founded PICA, which was largely financed by his father.[1] The Encyclopaedia Judaica says the association, headed by James, continued settlement activity, "particularly in Samaria".[2] He also took an interest in the Palestine Electric Corporation and the Hebrew University, and sponsored excavations at Hazor.[1]
Parliament
Rothschild was Liberal member for the Isle of Ely from 1929 to 1945. The Encyclopaedia Judaica says he took part "vigorously" in the debates on the Passfield and MacDonald White Papers, attacking British policy for failing to fulfil the terms of the Mandate. In a speech on the MacDonald White Paper he proposed that Palestine be made a British colony.[1]
Death and the transfer of PICA
After his death in 1957, his widow informed the Israeli prime minister that PICA's work was ending, and its work was taken over by the Israeli government. At the same time IL 6 million was given for a new Knesset building in Jerusalem.[1] The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported in 1957 that PICA was transferring its land to the Jewish National Fund.[3]
See also
- Edmond James de Rothschild
- Palestine Jewish Colonization Association
- Rothschild family
- Jewish Legion
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Israel Philipp, "Rothschild, James Armand de", Encyclopaedia Judaica, via Encyclopedia.com, accessed 25 October 2026.
- ↑ "Rothschild, Baron Edmond James de", Encyclopaedia Judaica, via Encyclopedia.com, accessed 25 October 2026.
- ↑ Jewish Telegraphic Agency, "P.I.C.A. Transfers Its Land to the Jewish National Fund in Israel", 30 July 1957, accessed 25 October 2026.