ROOTS OF CONFLICT IN THE HOLY LAND

World Studies

Review

• The “Holy Land” refers to the area in and surrounding Jerusalem in modern day Israel.

• Review: Jerusalem is important to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Key Vocab

• Israel: a country created for the Jewish people in 1947.

• Israeli: A citizen of Israel, usually Jewish. • Jerusalem: The capital city of Israel; important holy sites for all 3 religions.

• Palestine: The name for the land before the creation of Israel.

• Palestinian: Arabs who historically lived in Palestine; mostly Muslims.

Why it matters to us• The conflict between religions and ethnic groups in

Jerusalem has had global impacts.

• The U.S. government strongly supports Israel; this angers many Muslims and Arabs.• Osama Bin Laden claimed that part of the reason for 9/11 attacks

had to do with U.S. support of Israel.

• Many U.S. presidents have tried to “broker” peace between Israelis and Palestinians. • Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama?

• Conflicts continue today and threatens world peace.

A Quick History of the Holy Land• 2000 B.C.-The historic home of the Jewish people (Old

Testament)• 70 A.D.- Romans force Jews out; many settle throughout

Europe.• 1096-1187: Christians fight Muslims for control of

Jerusalem (The Crusades)• 1187: Muslims regain control of Jerusalem• 1187-1900: Palestine is inhabited by Arabs, Muslims.• 1947: Israel is created; Jews move back in.

• Palestinians living here are forced from their homes into areas designated for Palestinians (West Bank and Gaza)

• 1967: Israel takes control of West Bank and Gaza Strip• Today: Conflict between the two groups continues

To Make a Long Story Short….

• Jews have historical and religious roots in the area of Palestine/ Israel,

• BUT….

• Arab Palestinians had lived there for centuries prior to the creation of Israel.

The Crusades

Zionism• Zionism- the movement to create a Jewish state/ country

in Palestine.

• In the late 1800’s, some Jews begin migrating from Europe to settle in Palestine, their historic home. • Jews bought land, forced Arabs to move• This led to conflict between the groups.

• Following World War I and before World War II, Jewish migration increased. • At this time, Palestine was still heavily Palestinian Arab.

Palestine in 1947

WWII and the Holocaust• During World War 2

(WWII), Adolf Hitler of Germany attempted to kill all the Jews of Europe.• The Holocaust.

• Following WWII, Jews desired a country of their own and desired their historic homeland in Palestine. • UN, Great Britain, U.S.

supported the Jews.

The Creation of Israel

• 1947: The United Nations (UN) recommends that Palestine is divided into two countries, one for Jews (Israel) and one for Arabs (Palestine).

• Arabs opposed the plan, Jews created Israel.

• Almost immediately, conflict begins.