1. At the heart of this conflict is a dispute over land and borders.
Palestine – Israel
two historically
related groups of people living in the same geographic area and who should possess it now or at
the very least how to share it.
At the heart of this conflict is a dispute over land and borders.

4. Why do Christians, Muslims and Jews all have claim to this land?
Christianity: Major events of Jesus’ life took place (preached there in adulthood, crucified there, and resurrected by God)
Islam: Jerusalem is considered the 3rd holiest city b/c where Muhammad ascended into heaven
Judaism: Historically been labeled as their “holy land” b/c God gave it to them, it was considered the center of the world
1 Conflict: Holy sites are literally built right on top of each other!
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Western Wall

5. When did WWII take place?
The land of Palestine was inhabited by Palestinian
Arabs Prior to World War II.
400,000 Muslims = 80%
75,000 Christians = 15%
25,000 Jews = 5%
For centuries these groups had lived in harmony
When did WWII take place?

6. 1947 – The United Nations (UN) gets involved
In the aftermath of WWII and the Holocaust the UN gave 55% of Palestine to a newly created Jewish State – Israel (name change!!!)
Jews were 30% of the population and owned only 7% of the land prior to this resolution

7. Land Divisions by the UN
Palestine - Green
Israel - Cream

8. 1948: Arab Israeli War
Jews declared an independent state of Israel within the boundaries prescribed by the UN resolution.
Next day Arab Muslims declared war.

9. Arab – Israeli War
Israel conquered 78% of Palestine in the war
Created nearly 1 million Palestinian refugees
Over 400 towns and villages were destroyed
Every city, river, and hill received a new Hebrew name
Denied the existence of Palestine

10. Brief Historical Background

11. 1967: Six Day War
Israel (Jews) conquered more land by launching a highly successful attack
Occupied additional 22% of Palestine – The West Bank and the Gaza Strip

12. Recognizing the Two Sides
The Palestinian Side:
Fear of Dispossession (no longer existing) / 20th Century Jewish Immigration- taking over land in the West Bank – Palestinian Territory
Fight against Israel led by the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization)- leader Yassir Arafat- tried to gain more political power
Spiritual connection to the Holy Land – Islamic Tie

13. Recognizing the Two Sides
The Israel/Jewish Side:
History of Jewish Persecution – always scapegoat…
Holocaust
Israel as Jewish ‘Safe Haven’ – Promised land
Spiritual connection to the Holy Land – Jewish Tie

14. The Composition of the Holy Land
Source: 2003 CIA World Fact Book - Palestine data consists of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

15. Economic Comparative Analysis
In the land between the Mediterranean sea and the Jordan river…
Israel
Unemployment 1 out of 10
Growth rate -0.8%
Palestine
Unemployment 1 out of 2
Growth rate -18%
GDP
Per Capita
Annual Budget
UN HDI Rank
$117.4 Billion
$19,500
$45.1 Billion
22 out of 177
GDP
Per Capita
Annual Budget
UN HDI Rank
$2.4 Billion
$700
$1.2 Billion
102 out of 177
A Palestinian has to work for 28 years to earn what an Israeli does in one year
Sources: United Nations 2004 Human Development Index (HDI), 2003 CIA World Fact Book.

16. Military Comparison Israel Palestine Main Battle Tanks –
Israel continues to maintain tens of thousands of troops in the West Bank and Gaza – Israel invaded and occupied those areas in the war
Main Battle Tanks –
Combat Aircraft –
Artillery –
2001 Military Expenditures –
Official Active Forces –
3,950
438
1,542
$10.1 billion
167,600
$85 million
35,000
Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies
“We can argue with the Palestinians about who’s to blame; but about who is suffering worse – there is no argument. They are a destitute nation living in an elaborate prison under the guns of the Israeli army.” Jerusalem Post Editorial, March 3, 2004

18. The Path of the Israeli Barrier
The barrier’s path has been projected to annex between 7% – 45% of Palestinian land. This will:
Completely surround 100,000 people in 42 towns
Reduce the available water supply by 1 billion gallons
Confiscate hundreds of thousands of acres of land
Severely restrict travel to jobs, hospitals and schools
Adversely affect 4 out of 10 Palestinians

19. A Look at the Israeli Barrier from Space
Before
After
CLOSE UP: Qalqilyah was a relatively rich Palestinian town, nicknamed the ‘bread basket.’ After the Wall was constructed around it the cost of shipping goods has tripled. Consequently, 600 stores have been forced to close and now 75% of the town’s 40,000+ residents depend on humanitarian assistance from overseas.

20. The Israeli Barrier on the Ground
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, of Jerusalem said the wall, “cuts in half monasteries, convents, churches and cemeteries.” The pictures above are of the wall in Bethlehem