The Birth of Israel- Introduction Jews have lived in the land of Israel for over 3000 years. There was a Jewish state in the land until 70 CE. Zionism aimed to create a Jewish State again in Israel or Palestine as it was known for some time before 1948.

An animation showing 2000 years of Jewish history. The Revival of a Nation An animation showing 2000 years of Jewish history.

1880 First Aliyah Most go to America or Europe but some go to Palestine. Thousands of Jews leave Eastern Europe to escape poverty and anti-semitism. “Aliyah” means “going up”. Jews use the word to mean “going up” to live in Israel

1897 First Zionist Congress Theodor Herzl invites Jews from all over the world to meet in Basle, Switzerland To discuss a homeland for the Jewish People.

1904 Second Aliyah Around 40,000 Jews Immigrate to Palestine mostly from Russia.

1914 World War 1 Begins Jews of Palestine fight as allies of the British to drive the Turkish army out of Palestine.

1917 Balfour Declaration EH 76-77 . The British government declares its support for “the establishment in Palestine of a National home for the Jewish People NOTE: Arthur Balfour was the person in the British Government whose job it was deal with Foreign countries. He signed the declaration and so it is named after him.

1939 World War 2 Begins The Jewish, the Haganah fights alongside the British against the Nazis and their allies

1947 UN votes to create Jewish State EH 76-77 1947 UN votes to create Jewish State On 29 November 1947 the United Nations votes to create two states in Palestine, one Jewish and one Arab

1948 State of Israel Declared EH 76-77 1948 State of Israel Declared On 14 May 1948 to David Ben Gurion declares the State of Israel