2. Israel Becomes a State  The Jewish population has long been the victim of various forms of oppression – it’s important to know that this oppression was going on well before the Holocaust

3. A little bit of history…  Palestine (present day Israel, West Bank, Gaza Strip) was once controlled by the Jews 3000 years ago. We’re talking about 1000 BCE (think back to Fall Semester – like ancient civilizations old)  After controlling the region for thousands of years, the Jews were forced out of this region in the year 135 (deported to Egypt and sold into slavery)

4.  After Jews were forced out of the region, they were unable to find a place to call their own, and as a result, Jewish populations were dispersed throughout the world (Diaspora)  Mainly European countries

5.  After the Holocaust, many Jewish people started pushing for the creation of a Jewish homeland – these people were called Zionists  Because the world just witnessed the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and a newly formed International Peacekeeping Organization was recently formed, Zionists got their wish  UN created a Jewish homeland carved out of British controlled Palestine  Israel had been created, but at a price

7.  In the space provided, briefly explain why the creation of Israel created so many problems.

8. Israel and Arab States in Conflict  1948 War of Independence: One day after Israel becomes a country, it was attacked by six Islamic states. Israel won and gained more territory.

9.  1956 Suez Crisis: Egypt seized Suez Canal; Israel and its European allies took the canal back; international community was upset; Israel had to give it back

10.  Six Day War: Arab nations were planning an attack on Israel, but Israel acted first taking these nations by surprise. Israel won losing 800 people, Arab nations lost 15,000. Israel gained more territory.

11.  Yom Kippur: Arab nations attacked Israel on Yom Kippur; took land from Israel; Israel launched a counter-attack and gained back most of the territory; ended in a truce

12.  PLO : Palestinian Liberation Organization; protest group turned militant group; terrorist organization launching attacks on Israel

13. Efforts at Peace  Camp David Accords: President Jimmy Cater organized a meeting between Israel and Egyptian leaders; ended 30 years of conflict  Oslo Peace Accords: Israel agreed to give Palestinians self-rule in the Gaza Strip and West Bank

15. Peace Slips Away  Second Intifada: Palestinian militant groups opposing Israeli control; Israeli forced cracked down even more  US Intervention  President Bill Clinton held a 15 day summit; no compromises made  President George W. Bush began working on the “road map”  Region continues to deal with conflict and violence

17. Your Task:  On a separate piece of paper, that will be turned in before you leave today you will need to do the following:  Explain the Israeli and Palestinian perspective – why they feel they are entitled to the land  Design a practical solution to the problem.