4 non-Jews who helped establish the modern State of Israel, protected Jewish lives

William E. Blackstone

In 1878, Chicago businessman William E. Blackstone published the book Jesus Is Coming: God's Hope for a Restless World, based on his study of biblical prophecies. Blackstone is featured in the “Hall of Dreamers” exhibit, which invites visitors to hear four different stories about people who believed in the dream of the Jews returning to their homeland. 

According to Friends of Zion, Blackstone was active in the American Evangelical community and dedicated himself to restoring the Jewish homeland after witnessing Russia’s mass persecution of Jews. 

“He knew he had to act. His determination came from his prophetic beliefs as well as his strong humanitarianism,” the museum states about Blackstone. 

Blackstone hosted a conference in 1890 called “On the Past, Present, and Future of Israel” in Chicago, Illinois, and hundreds of delegates, including various American rabbis, attended the conference. The event led to the “Blackstone Petition,” which highlighted Israel’s status as a homeland for the Jews. The petition received over 400 signatures from prominent U.S. citizens, including politicians and clergymen. 

The museum credits Blackstone with helping to direct people’s eyes “Zionward,” referring to the petition as “the greatest political act of Christian Zionism in 19th century America.”