Transcript israeli-palestinian

Conflict over Israel
• The land that is now known as Israel has been occupied by
many different groups of people including the ancient
Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks, Persians, Romans, as well as
the Crusaders, Turks, & British
• The land has been fought over for thousands of years
because of its geographical and religious importance
• Today, Israelis (Jews) have control over this region and only
allow limited control by the Palestinians in certain areas
(Gaza Strip & West Bank)
History
• In 1948, the Jewish state of Israel was created as a
homeland for the Jews (following World War II and the Nazi
Holocaust)
• Prior to that time the area was called Palestine and was
home to Arab Muslims, called Palestinians, who were forced
to leave
• Many became refugees in surrounding countries like Jordan
when Israel was established. Some also live in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip regions that are governed by Israel.
• This has led to years of conflict between the Palestinian
Arabs & Jews
Looking at this picture, what major natural resource do you
think has caused conflict in this area of the Middle East?
Due to the harsh, dry desert climate, Israelis, Palestinians,
Jordanians, & Syrians all depend on the waters of the Jordan River
Jewish Perspective:
Why do the Jews want this land?
•Jerusalem was founded by David in 1003 BC and established as the
homeland of the Jews until they were exiled in 586 BC. However,
Jews have lived in this area since that time.
• It is the location of many important religious sites, such as the
Western Wall or “Wailing Wall” (the only remaining part of
Solomon’s Temple)
•The city is also associated with many important Jewish characters
such as Abraham, David, Solomon & others.
• Israel is a symbolic place to Jews because they believe it is the
land that was given to them by God.
Palestinian (Arab) Perspective:
Why do the Palestinians want this land?
•Jerusalem is the site of the Prophet Mohammed’s ascension into
heaven
• It is the third holiest city, after Mecca & Medina, to Muslims, and
it is the location of religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock
•Jerusalem is also connected to Abraham, David and Jesus, who
are all prophets mentioned in the Quran.
• Many important Muslim leaders were buried here
• Arabs have occupied this land for hundreds of years
Current Situation
 Connected to Israel are two
turbulent areas called the West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Palestinians have limited control in
these areas
• Jewish settlers occupy this area,
which upsets many Palestinians
• Unemployment here is high, and
the economy struggles
 Israelis claim that they
have a right to settle in
this area
 They also argue that it
is necessary to maintain
a military presence
here to protect
themselves against
Palestinian attacks
Imagine living next door
to your greatest enemy.
Consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian
Conflict
• Since 1947, there have been 5 major wars over this land
• The economies of both Israel and Palestine are negatively
affected by conflict, especially during times of increased violence
• Other countries such as the US have become involved in the
conflict, causing tension between those who support Israel &
those who support the Palestinians
• Many civilians, including children, have been killed on both sides
Children
 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/world/middleeast
/talks-begin-in-cairo-on-steps-after-gaza-ceasefire.html
Israel_and_the_Mideast_Conflict.asf