History of Conflict Israeli and Palistinian Perspectives Flag of Israel Flag of Palestine

Geography Israel and Palestine are located in the Middle East Palestine has two territories: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip The City of Jerusalem lies on the border of the West Bank and Israel. Israel controls most resources in the region including sea access and checkpoints in Palestinian areas The West Bank and the Gaza Strip are physically separated by Israel. Resources including water, farmable land, and import/export areas including seaports, airports, and land crossings

Religion Share Islam Judaism Holy Book is the “Torah” Important Prophet is Moses Savior will be sent in the future Monotheistic Each has a “Holy Book” Belief in judgment of the dead Belief in Heaven and Hell Belief in resurrection Holy Book is the Quran Important Prophet is Muhammad Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet

History of the area Jewish people have lived in the region for thousands of years Historically the Jewish people have been the dominant power in the region and had an established state known as Israel The Jewish state was slowly conquered by other groups such as the Persians, Egyptians, Romans, and Arab groups Most of these groups were not of the Jewish faith. For example, the later Romans were Christians and most of the Arabs were Muslim. Some of these groups were tolerant of Jews and their religion living under their rule Some groups were not tolerant of the Jewish faith and forced the Jews to move. This move was known as the Diaspora Palestinians have lived in the region for thousands of years Palestinians overall are Muslim Palestinians became the majority as they slowly migrated in as the Jewish people left The Palestinian state has been controlled by other groups such as the Persians, Egyptians, Romans, and Arab empires. These groups (especially Islamic Arab governments) have been more tolerant of Palestinians than Jews because most Arab governments in the region have also shared Islam as a state religion. What is the difference between Islam and Muslim? Are they the same? You believe in Christianity, you are Christian. You believe in Islam, you are Muslim.

What does being “intolerant” mean? What is an example of intolerance? Some examples of Jewish intolerance Jews were restricted from owning property Jewish churches and temples were vandalized and burned Jews were subject to taxes and fines that other groups were exempt from

Jewish Diaspora and zionism Many Jews left their homeland for other places where they could worship under more tolerant governments. They went to Europe, Africa, and other parts of the Middle East. In the 1800’s many Jews wished to return back to their historic homeland. They started the “Zionist Movement”

Palestinian immigration Other groups moved into the former Jewish homeland. Modern Palestinians are one of these groups. Palestinians took over farming the land, herding livestock, etc. Palestinians as a majority lived on the land for over a thousand years under various governments Starting in the early 1800’s many Jews wanted to move back to the land under the “Zionist movement”

Viewpoint 1 Modern America is built on land that was previously the home to Native Americans. The town of Moscow is actually built on the Native American home of the Nez-Perce tribe Suppose the Nez Perce wanted to return to Moscow. The house you live in is built on their former home and they want the land it sits on back Do the Nez Perce have a right to take your home away? Is there a compromise?

History of the area 3 Jews continued having problems in finding land where they could practice their religion without being persecuted. Many Jews were discriminated against. This is called anti-Semitic. During the 1930’s anti-Semitic behavior in many parts of the world was growing, particularly in some areas of Europe and America This behavior escalated when Hitler ordered the genocide of Jews living in Nazi Germany. This genocide is known as the Holocaust. About 6 million Jews died in Nazi concentration camps – This is equal to all people currently living in the state of Washington. Genocide is the deliberate extermination of human beings based on race, religion, or political affiliation. The Holocaust was the genocide of the Jews which took place while Germany was under a Nazi government during and before WWII (about 1933-1945).

Viewpoint 2 Imagine you are a Jew living after the Holocaust Do you trust the government anymore? What can you do to assure that your religious group is never subject to genocide again?

History of the Area 4 As a result of the Holocaust, the United Nations decided in 1947 to create a state for the Jewish people in their former homeland. This nation is named Israel. However there were already people living in this land known as Palestine or the British Mandate As a result, the United Nations decided the land would be broken up so each of the groups would have their own country. (United Nations flag)

Viewpoint 3 Suppose the U.N. decided that Canada would now rule over Idaho and you would have to leave your home and most of you possessions behind. How would you feel? How do you think Palestinians felt when they had to move because of the UN decision? VS

Current Problems Palestine rejected the U.N. proposal. With the help of some neighboring countries Palestine attacked newly created Israel. However Israel defeated the Palestinian alliance. Israel’s army advanced into Palestinian territory during the war. After the war Israel refused to give much of this land back. As a result, the original U.N. boundaries for Israel (left) changed due to Israel gaining this land during the war (right) Nakba is a Palestinian word literally meaning “catastrophe/disaster.” It is used by the Palestinians to represent the day Israel declared itself independent (1948). Students to add this question to their handout: “In 1967, what event occurred that resulted in the current Israel/Palestine borders?” - Answer: The Six Day War

Current Problems 2 Palestinians living in Israel were forced to leave their homes. Many ended up in neighboring countries as well as the Palestinian territories. Palestinians are living today without a nation to call their own. The struggle over land and resources in the region between the two groups has led to extreme violence and terrorism

Video 1 Examples of the conflict between Israel and Palestine

Video 2

Consider the 2 videos together In one video a Palestinian is considered a terrorist because he attacked an Israeli army patrol In the music video the lyrics question who is really the terrorist – the suicide bomber or the Israelis. Who do you think is the terrorist? Are they both terrorists? Are either of them justified?