At the heart of this conflict is a dispute over land and borders. Palestine – Israel two historically related groups of people living in the same geographic area and who should possess it now or at the very least how to share it. At the heart of this conflict is a dispute over land and borders.

Why do Christians, Muslims and Jews all have claim to this land? Christianity: Major events of Jesus’ life took place (preached there in adulthood, crucified there, and resurrected by God) Islam: Jerusalem is considered the 3rd holiest city b/c where Muhammad ascended into heaven Judaism: Historically been labeled as their “holy land” b/c God gave it to them, it was considered the center of the world 1 Conflict: Holy sites are literally built right on top of each other! Al-Aqsa Mosque Western Wall

When did WWII take place? The land of Palestine was inhabited by Palestinian Arabs Prior to World War II. 400,000 Muslims = 80% 75,000 Christians = 15% 25,000 Jews = 5% For centuries these groups had lived in harmony When did WWII take place?

1947 – The United Nations (UN) gets involved In the aftermath of WWII and the Holocaust the UN gave 55% of Palestine to a newly created Jewish State – Israel (name change!!!) Jews were 30% of the population and owned only 7% of the land prior to this resolution

Land Divisions by the UN Palestine - Green Israel - Cream

1948: Arab Israeli War Jews declared an independent state of Israel within the boundaries prescribed by the UN resolution. Next day Arab Muslims declared war.

Arab – Israeli War - 1948 Israel conquered 78% of Palestine in the war Created nearly 1 million Palestinian refugees Over 400 towns and villages were destroyed Every city, river, and hill received a new Hebrew name Denied the existence of Palestine

Brief Historical Background

1967: Six Day War Israel (Jews) conquered more land by launching a highly successful attack Occupied additional 22% of Palestine – The West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Recognizing the Two Sides The Palestinian Side: Fear of Dispossession (no longer existing) / 20th Century Jewish Immigration- taking over land in the West Bank – Palestinian Territory Fight against Israel led by the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization)- leader Yassir Arafat- tried to gain more political power Spiritual connection to the Holy Land – Islamic Tie

Recognizing the Two Sides The Israel/Jewish Side: History of Jewish Persecution – always scapegoat… Holocaust Israel as Jewish ‘Safe Haven’ – Promised land Spiritual connection to the Holy Land – Jewish Tie

The Composition of the Holy Land Source: 2003 CIA World Fact Book - Palestine data consists of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Economic Comparative Analysis In the land between the Mediterranean sea and the Jordan river… Israel Unemployment 1 out of 10 Growth rate -0.8% Palestine Unemployment 1 out of 2 Growth rate -18% GDP Per Capita Annual Budget UN HDI Rank $117.4 Billion $19,500 $45.1 Billion 22 out of 177 GDP Per Capita Annual Budget UN HDI Rank $2.4 Billion $700 $1.2 Billion 102 out of 177 A Palestinian has to work for 28 years to earn what an Israeli does in one year Sources: United Nations 2004 Human Development Index (HDI), 2003 CIA World Fact Book.

Military Comparison Israel Palestine Main Battle Tanks – Israel continues to maintain tens of thousands of troops in the West Bank and Gaza – Israel invaded and occupied those areas in the 1967 war Main Battle Tanks – Combat Aircraft – Artillery – 2001 Military Expenditures – Official Active Forces – 3,950 438 1,542 $10.1 billion 167,600 $85 million 35,000 Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies “We can argue with the Palestinians about who’s to blame; but about who is suffering worse – there is no argument. They are a destitute nation living in an elaborate prison under the guns of the Israeli army.” Jerusalem Post Editorial, March 3, 2004

The Path of the Israeli Barrier The barrier’s path has been projected to annex between 7% – 45% of Palestinian land. This will: Completely surround 100,000 people in 42 towns Reduce the available water supply by 1 billion gallons Confiscate hundreds of thousands of acres of land Severely restrict travel to jobs, hospitals and schools Adversely affect 4 out of 10 Palestinians

A Look at the Israeli Barrier from Space Before After CLOSE UP: Qalqilyah was a relatively rich Palestinian town, nicknamed the ‘bread basket.’ After the Wall was constructed around it the cost of shipping goods has tripled. Consequently, 600 stores have been forced to close and now 75% of the town’s 40,000+ residents depend on humanitarian assistance from overseas.

The Israeli Barrier on the Ground Archbishop Pietro Sambi, of Jerusalem said the wall, “cuts in half monasteries, convents, churches and cemeteries.” The pictures above are of the wall in Bethlehem