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

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)

 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

 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

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

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.

 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

 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.

 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

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

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

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

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.