Conflict in the Middle East Conflict in the Middle East

Background Background Ground Zero for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.Ground Zero for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Judaism: Israel = Biblical “Promised Land”Judaism: Israel = Biblical “Promised Land” –Occupied by Moses and Hebrews around 1000 B.C. Invaded and occupied by PhilistinesInvaded and occupied by Philistines –Greeks and Romans call it “Land of Philistines”, which becomes Palestine. Region of Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, and death.Region of Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, and death. “Ownership” changes hands frequently.“Ownership” changes hands frequently. Muslims capture in 640Muslims capture in 640 –built Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem in 691 Spot where Mohammed stopped on his way to heaven.Spot where Mohammed stopped on his way to heaven. –Holiest site in Islam outside Saudi Arabia. Ottoman Turks control from 1500’s-1900’s.Ottoman Turks control from 1500’s-1900’s.

An Islamic Shrine in Jerusalem 691 a.d. Muslims from Arabia captured Palestine in 640 then built the Dome of the Rock on the site where the Hebrew Temple of Solomon once stood in Jerusalem.Muslims from Arabia captured Palestine in 640 then built the Dome of the Rock on the site where the Hebrew Temple of Solomon once stood in Jerusalem. This site is believed to be the site where Muhammad took the golden ladder to heaven.This site is believed to be the site where Muhammad took the golden ladder to heaven.

British Promise to the Jews: Balfour Declaration, 1917 Sir Arthur James Balfour Br. Foreign Secretary His Majesty ’ s Government views with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine …

The Middle East Between the Wars

Jews & Arabs in Palestine, 1920  In 1920, there was 1 Jew to every 10 Arabs in Palestine.  By 1947, the ratio was 2 Arabs for every Jew.  In 1920, there was 1 Jew to every 10 Arabs in Palestine.  By 1947, the ratio was 2 Arabs for every Jew. The Arabs felt that they were loosing control of their “ country! ”

WORLD WAR II & “ISRAEL” A.In Germany, 6 million Jews were killed by Nazis and Hitler. -Thousands of Jews moved to Palestine b. After WWII, the UN wanted to divide Palestine into 2 states: 1. A Palestinian state – for Palestinians 2. A Jewish state, called ISRAEL – for Jews - the USA supported this plan! - City of Jerusalem would not be a part of a state, it would be shared!

WWII & ISRAEL, cont. c. Jews were happy…they got approx. 55% of the land of the original Palestine. d. Palestinians were unhappy. The neighboring countries were also unhappy. e. 4 large scale wars fought over these issues…1948,1956, 1967, 1973

U. N. Partition Plan of 1947 Jews were divided over the UN partition plan.Jews were divided over the UN partition plan. Arabs rejected it--they constituted 67% of the population (Jews 33%), and would get about 45% of mandatory Palestine, also not the best parts.Arabs rejected it--they constituted 67% of the population (Jews 33%), and would get about 45% of mandatory Palestine, also not the best parts. Arabs rioted in Jerusalem in 1947 over the planArabs rioted in Jerusalem in 1947 over the plan

Israel Becomes a Nation: May 14, 1948 David Ben-Gurion, 1 st Prime Minister Chaim Weizmann, 1 st President

War of 1948 UN partitioned Israel, but Arabs refusedUN partitioned Israel, but Arabs refused 14 May 1948: Jews declare Israel an Independent Jewish State14 May 1948: Jews declare Israel an Independent Jewish State Jews “Zionists” claimed that Israel was an independent state and triggered an invasion by Egypt, Syria,, Lebanon and Iraq.Jews “Zionists” claimed that Israel was an independent state and triggered an invasion by Egypt, Syria,, Lebanon and Iraq. 15 May: 5 Arab states invade new nation of Israel15 May: 5 Arab states invade new nation of Israel 7 Jan 1949: Israeli victory - 700,000 Arab refugees driven from their homes in Palestine7 Jan 1949: Israeli victory - 700,000 Arab refugees driven from their homes in Palestine

“Explain how the following quotes let both sides believe that they have a legitimate claim to the land?“Explain how the following quotes let both sides believe that they have a legitimate claim to the land? “ON that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your descendants I give this land…” Genesis 15:18“ON that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your descendants I give this land…” Genesis 15:18 “He (Allah) has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion- the religion of your father Abraham.” Koran 22:78“He (Allah) has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion- the religion of your father Abraham.” Koran 22:78