The Arab-Israeli Conflict One Land, Two People The Arab-Israeli Conflict

The size of Israel compared to the state of California (Israel is approx. the same size as New Jersey)

The Arab World

Palestinian: An Arab that lives in or claims as their homeland Israel (they call it Palestine.) All Palestinians are Arabs, but not all Arabs are Palestinians. Jews: People who claim the ancient land of Israel and/or follow Judaism. One Arab, One Jew

How long has there been major conflict in the Middle East over the land of Israel? Since Israel’s independence in 1948.

Facts about the country of Israel today (2004 World Almanac) Ethnic distribution: 80% Jewish; 20% Arab and other. Chief religions: 80% Jewish; 15% Islam (mostly Sunni); 2% Christian

Roots of the conflict Jewish claims: Palestinian claims: Originate in biblical times Jewish kingdom centered in Jerusalem Palestinian claims: By 9th century, a majority of pop. was Muslim Next 10 centuries under Muslim rule

Israel is the land God promised the Jews. The Jewish claim to the region dates back to King David. He unified Israel and built Jerusalem around 900 BC

Israel was conquered by the Roman Empire because of the location on trade routes. The Roman name for the region was “Palestina.”

The fortress of Masada is still a symbol of Jewish resistance. Because of their continuous revolts and attacks against soldiers, the Romans forced the Jews to leave Israel around 70AD in what is called the Diaspora.

For the next 2,000 years, the Jews stuck together, always with the dream of returning to Israel. They were continually discriminated against and expelled from various parts of Europe.

1890’s: Birth of Zionism This was an effort started by European Jews in the 1800’s to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. By the early 1900’s, there were approx 25,000 Jews living in Palestine. This was a Jewish solution to the Diaspora.

After World War II, the United Nations moved to create a homeland for the Jews. The land they have claimed for 2,000 years.

The Palestinians had inhabited the region since around 900 AD The Palestinians had inhabited the region since around 900 AD. In order to give land to the Jews, who would have to give land up?

After World War I, much of the Middle East was controlled by the British and the French. The region had been taken from the defeated Ottoman Turkish Empire.

After World War II and the Holocaust, the Jews were promised a country and a return to their “homeland.” Two countries were set up. One, a Jewish state, the other a Palestinian state. Map 1

After declaring their independence in 1948, Israel was attacked by Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinians. In a bitter fight, the Jews surprisingly defeated the Arabs and gained additional territory. The Palestinian state was lost. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled to surrounding countries. Map 2

Many Palestinians became REFUGEES

Refugee camps in the late 1940’s

Today, many Palestinians and their children make the refugee camps a “permanent” home. They are a “stateless nation.”

PALESTINIAN REFUGEE CAMPS NEARLY 4 MILLION PALESTINIANS LIVE IN THE CAMPS. Many moved into the camps in 1948, their families are still there.

Wars broke out between the Israelis and Arabs for the next forty years Wars broke out between the Israelis and Arabs for the next forty years. In 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973 the Jews defeated Arab armies. Golan Heights The Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt in 1989. What happens to Israel if the Jews ever lose a war? West Bank Gaza Strip Map 3

Israel has granted limited autonomy to many of the regions inhabited by the Palestinians. The Arabs and much of the world are pushing for a Palestinian state. Can you determine what the issue might be when looking at the land occupied by the Palestinians? Map 4 Their lands aren’t connected..

After 2004 the Israeli's pulled out of the Gaza Strip, giving Palestinians limited autonomy. Hamas the set up crude rockets and fired thousands into Israel. In somewhat free elections, the Palestinians elected the terrorist group Hamas to govern in Gaza.

Islamic militants (Hamas) “shake up” Israel with a series of suicide bombings and rocket attacks

In December, 2008, the Israeli Army and Air Force bombed, then invaded Gaza, destroying much of the infrastructure and killing thousands. The intent was simple. To stop Hamas from firing rockets into Israel.

Hamas was beaten but not broken Hamas was beaten but not broken. The Israelis pulled out in January, 2009. It remains to be seen if the ceasefire will hold. (they never have) Israel invaded Gaza again in 2013 because of rockets fired into Israel.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Seen as a terrorist group until 1991. Trying to reclaim Palestinian land. Recognize Israel’s right to exist and reject violence and terrorism. In return, Israel recognizes them as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Checkpoints

Checkpoints

Gaza Strip Embargo

Gaza Strip Embargo

The USA has been attempting to help solve the crisis since the 1980’s The USA has been attempting to help solve the crisis since the 1980’s. To date, no lasting peace has been achieved.

Your assignment… On the back of your worksheet, answer the following questions… Which side (Jews/Palestinians) resonates with you the most? Which group is entitled to this land? Why?