This nonfiction book is an easy-to-read outline that explains the history of Palestine based on official facts found in previously hidden documents written by the British who ruled over Palestine in the 20th century. If you have ever wondered why the Arab Palestinians did not achieve statehood, this book attempts to explain it in a way that helps the reader to understand it in the timeframe leading up to the statehood of Israel. Once the reader understand these facts, it will be clear to see why a Two-State Solution with an adjacent population who wants to exterminate the Jews is a Two-State delusion.
This nonfiction book is an easy-to-read outline that explains the history of Palestine based on official facts found in previously hidden documents written by the British who ruled over Palestine in the 20th century. If you have ever wondered why the Arab Palestinians did not achieve statehood, this book attempts to explain it in a way that helps the reader to understand it in the timeframe leading up to the statehood of Israel. Once the reader understand these facts, it will be clear to see why a Two-State Solution with an adjacent population who wants to exterminate the Jews is a Two-State delusion.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was born into the reality of Israel-Palestine of the 20th century when Britain ruled over Palestine. At that time, the British rulers were drawing up documents behind the scenes to grant this land to both Jewish and Arab Palestinians, as well as to Prince Faisal of Mecca, and to France. It was a time when Jewish settlers began immigrating to Palestine in response to global antisemitism, and for a desire to return to the land of their ancestry which was originally under the leadership of their Patriarch Abraham, who lived on this land formerly known as Canaan (between Syria and Egypt). According to the Biblical Book of Genesis, this land was situated in the territory of the southern Levant which today is Israel, including Judea and Samaria, as well as Gaza, and southern portions of Syria and Lebanon, from the Nile to the Euphrates.
Historically, the nation of Israel is inscribed on an ancient Egyptian document dated back to 1209 - 1208 BCE. The Jews of Canaan, where Abraham of the Bible is mentioned in the Book of Genesis, are recorded on The Merneptah Stele which was discovered in 1896 by W.M. Flinders Petrie. Today, it is preserved at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo. It contains one line about Israel: "Israel is wasted, bare of seed", in the context of a defeated state in Canaan, which is modern day Israel, proof that Israel existed in Egyptian historical records [6].
The Palestinian refugee crisis today is a direct result of the behind-the-scene schemings of the British who ruled over Palestine, which later saw the establishment of the State of Israel. At that time, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced from their homes and became refugees, a situation that remains unresolved to this day.
This situation is finally being revealed to the public in the documentary, "Birth of a Conflict", directed by Aaron Niski and Avi Merkado-Ettedgui [7]: https://www.chaiflicks.com-birth-of-a-conflict
Of course, religious beliefs have also played a significant role in the conflict, with both Jews and Muslims laying claim to the land based on historical and religious ties. The Bible clearly states that Israel borders from the Nile to the Euphrates Rivers, whereas, the Arab Palestinians today are claiming, "From the river to the sea Palestine will be free." This has led to competing narratives and deep-seated animosity between the two communities. It could certainly be said that this is a Holy War between the God of the Torah and the God of the Qua'ran - between the God of Israel and the God of Islam. This would take another book for future discussion.
The situation in the Middle East is difficult and complicated. This brief but articulate book takes readers into the roots of conflict and offers hope for a peaceful resolution with a thoughtful and balanced examination of some of the key causes, issues, and difficulties in the region, both past and present.
This book packs a lot into less than one hundred pages. It provides historical context and background for both sides. Both are key in understanding the region. Jewish Palestine, Arab Palestine is a book of vital importance, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, 2023 and the Israel/Palestine War that ensued and continues as of this writing. The book includes maps so readers can easily visualize the territory and terrain referred to in the text, giving it context and clarity.
The text starts with the first appearance of the word “Palestine” in the fifth century BCE. It also explains the origin and meaning of the phrase “From the river to the sea Palestine will be free.” The concept of a “Holy War” between “the God of the Torah and the God of the Qua’ran” is also discussed. Ditto the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947 and its role in the current conflict. So is the impact of British colonialism, the refugee crisis, religious beliefs, international perspectives, and violations of international law. All are examined with an eye toward a better understanding of the current conflict and doing “a better job in eliminating terrorism.”
Perhaps one of the most eye-opening sections is the lack of world education in U.S. public schools and media bias per the history, culture, and background of the region and the resulting rise in antisemitism. How “hatred of their Jewish neighbors is taught to Palestinians living in refugee camps at a very young age by UNRWA teachers” is also examined.
The book looks at how both Arab Palestinians and Israelis have been displaced as a result of the October 7 massacre by Hamas. The influence of Zionism and the rise of political Islam are discussed, as are their influence beyond the borders of Israel. This includes in the United States. The author writes, “The American public, and voters from both the Democratic and Republican parties are often divided on the issue, with some supporting Jewish Palestine and others advocating for Arab Palestine. The sad part is that too many American college students have been heard to be chanting for the terrorist group Hamas.” She asks, “What are they learning in colleges today?” The author suggests that those who are “chanting for the extermination of Jews should go on a missions trip to Gaza and live under their leadership, Hamas.”
Every chapter is strong. But a stand-out is Chapter 6: International Perspectives on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict.” This includes as look at the United States’ role in mediation efforts, which is “complex and multifaceted.” This includes the Camp David Accords of 1978, the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, and the Biden Administration’s “pressuring Israel into an arrangement that has only caused Israeli citizens much continued harm.”
European Union policies toward Israel and Palestine and the issues of Israeli settlement expansion, Palestinian refugees, and EU financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority are discussed. So is EU criticism of Israeli construction of barriers and the blockade of Gaza.
Thoroughly researched with special attention to original source documents, the text covers the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the claims to the land from Jewish and Arab perspectives, the history of Jewish settlements in Palestine and the impact of British colonialism in Jewish and Arab populations. It also touches on the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and Palestinian displacement. The role of religious beliefs in the Israel-Palestine conflict and political movements and activism in support of Jewish or Arab Palestine are also discussed. Much more. (Note: The print is tiny and makes for a difficult read on Kindle in its present format.)
The tone is academic but accessible. You do not have to have a Ph. D in history or any other discipline to follow and understand this book. Eloquent and articulate, Jewish Palestine, Arab Palestine is thoughtful, measured, and respectful. The writing is solid. The structure is sound. It includes extensive footnotes. It offers a balanced look at the region, its history, background, issues, and tensions. Hope for a peaceful, lasting solution to the current conflict is expressed frequently. Indeed, all stakeholders are urged “to work towards a solution that promises peace, justice, and equality for all.”
I don’t think I’ve read anything this compelling on the region since Leon Uris’s Exodus. Well done!