One Land, Two People

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One Land, Two People

• The Arab-Israeli Conflict

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The size of Israel compared to the state of
California (Israel is approx. the same size as
New Jersey)
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The Arab World
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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
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How long has there been major conflict in the
Middle East over the land of Israel? Since
Israels independence in 1948.
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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

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Roots of the conflict

• Jewish claims
• Originate in Biblical times
• Jewish kingdom centered in Jerusalem
• Promised Land for Gods Chosen
• Palestinian claims
• By 9th century, a majority of pop. was Muslim
• Next 10 centuries under Muslim rule

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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
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Israel was conquered by the Roman Empire because
of the location on trade routes.
The Roman name for the region was Palestina.
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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.
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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.
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1890s Birth of Zionism

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

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After the British defeated the Ottoman Turks in
World War I, they were given a mandate to control
the region of Palestine.
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After World War II, the United Nations moved to
create a homeland for the Jews. The land they
have claimed for 2,000 years.
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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?
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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.
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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
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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
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Many Palestinians became REFUGEES
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Refugee camps in the late 1940s
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Today, many Palestinians and their children make
the refugee camps a permanent home.
They are a stateless nation.
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PALESTINIAN REFUGEE CAMPS NEARLY 4 MILLION
PALESTINIANS LIVE IN THE CAMPS.
Many moved into the camps in 1948, their families
are still there.
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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
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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 arent connected..
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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.
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Islamic militants (Hamas) shake up Israel with
a series of suicide bombings and rocket attacks
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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.
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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)
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Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)

• Seen as a terrorist group until 1991.
• Trying to reclaim Palestinian land.
• Recognize Israels right to exist and reject
  violence and terrorism. In return, Israel
  recognizes them as the representative of the
  Palestinian people.

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Checkpoints
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Checkpoints
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Gaza Strip Embargo
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Gaza Strip Embargo
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The USA has been attempting to help solve the
crisis since the 1980s. To date, no lasting
peace has been achieved.
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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?