What would you do if a person you hated took your bedroom and said that you had to find another place to sleep? Your neighbor told them they could. Who should get the room? How could you solve the problem peacfully?

Israel - Palestine

-Before WWII The land of Palestine was inhabited by Palestinian Arabs -80% Muslims -15% Christians -5% Jews

Zionism  Zionism – The idea that Jews should be given back their holy land.  This was Palestinian (mostly Muslim) territory before WWII.  As Zionists immigrated, Arabs became alarmed.  Eventually, there was fighting between the two groups.

The US gets involved  After WWII the U.S felt bad for the Jewish people.  The UN gave the Jewish people 55% of Palestine. (Arab territory) Jews were 30% of the population and owned only 7% of the land  Called this new Jewish State – Israel

1948: Arab Israeli War  90,000 European-trained soldiers possessing modern weaponry  30,000 ill-equipped, poorly trained Arab soldiers VS

 Israel conquered 78% of Palestine  Created 1 million Palestinian refugees  Every city, river, and hill received a new Hebrew name  Denied the existence of Palestine!!!!

1967: Six Day War 1967: Six Day War  War was started by Egypt’s call for the Arab world to dismantle Israel.  The Arabs far outnumbered the Jews  6 days after it began Israel shocked the world by defeating the Arabs.  Occupied additional 22% of Palestine – The West Bank and the Gaza Strip

 Be able to identify at least 4 reasons that the Israelis were able to defeat the Arab forces so easily.  Write these down on the notecard provided.

 Intifadas – Attempts by Palestinians to reclaim their land.  1987 – 1993 Organized by the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) Rock throwing

 Began during peace talks in Camp David  2000 – 2005 Organized by Hamas Mortars and suicide bombings

-Built to protect the country from suicide bombings. -Walls surround the West Bank. -25 feet high + barbed wire + armed towers -International court said it was illegal.

1.Surrounds 42 towns 2.Reduces available water supply 3.Restricts travel 4.Cuts off Muslim cities from the West Bank.

After

Simulation

 The U.S has convened a “workshop” of Israelis and Palestinian civilians to discuss the peace process.  This meeting is to help gauge the needs of the people who have to live with the terms of peace.  This is not a negotiation as much as it is a chance to bring to the surface the underlying issues on the path to peace.

 Read the background information and your character description.  Prepare for the discussion by trying to understand what is important to your character in the peace talks.  During the simulation “workshop” voice your concerns and defend your position. (accents are always encouraged)

 Simulation will be during tomorrow’s class!  COME PREPARED!!!

 Jewish Immigration  Refugees of 1948  The 57-year Occupation  Spiritual connection to the Holy Land  Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Qaeda, PLO

History of Jewish Persecution Holocaust Israel as Jewish ‘Safe Haven’ Spiritual connection to the Holy Land The Jewish Side

 Three keys to peace Sovereignty – recognize each side and give them power over their people. Borders – Create two countries with borders that will be respected. “Rite of Return” – Allow immigration of both sides to return to their original homes. Jerusalem – Both sides want control of it.