The Birth of the State of Israel & the War of Independence

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Questions and Answers

Why did the British refuse to allow Jewish refugees to settle in Palestine after World War II?

The British wanted to avoid friction with the Arab world.

What was the main mission of the United Nations when it was formed in 1945?

The maintenance of international peace.

What was Resolution 181 about and when was it passed?

Resolution 181 recommended the separation of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, on November 29, 1947.

Why did the Jews accept the idea of the UN Partition Plan?

The Jews were desperate to enable Jewish immigration. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Arabs reject the UN Partition Plan?

The Arabs opposed any Jewish rule in Palestine. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the majority vote on Resolution 181?

The majority of the UN voted in favor of the resolution. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Resolution 181 still relevant today?

Resolution 181 is still relevant today because it confirmed the recognition that the Jewish people deserve their own state in their historical homeland. Signup and view all the answers

What did the refusal of the Arab population to accept Resolution 181 demonstrate?

The refusal of the Arab population to accept Resolution 181 demonstrated that they were not interested in establishing their own state if it meant allowing the existence of a Jewish state. Signup and view all the answers

Who proclaimed the creation of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948?

David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the creation of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. Signup and view all the answers

Who became Israel's first president?

Chaim Weizmann became Israel's first president. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries were the first to recognize the State of Israel?

The United States and the Soviet Union were the first countries to recognize the State of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did the new State of Israel face after its creation?

The new State of Israel faced challenges such as fighting a war of survival with Arab states, absorbing immigrants, and providing health and social services. Signup and view all the answers

What happened the same night that Israel declared independence?

The same night that Israel declared independence, five Arab armies invaded the new state, seeking to destroy it. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Jewish community and became the first prime minister of Israel?

David Ben-Gurion led the Jewish community and became the first prime minister of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What principles was the State of Israel supposed to be based on according to the Declaration?

Liberty, justice, and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets. Signup and view all the answers

What steps was Israel ready to take in cooperation with the United Nations?

Implement the Resolution of the Assembly of November 29, 1947, and bring about Economic Union over the whole of Palestine. Signup and view all the answers

What appeal was made to the Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel in the Declaration?

To return to the ways of peace and contribute to the development of the State with full citizenship and representation. Signup and view all the answers

What invitation was extended to the neighboring states and their peoples in the Declaration?

To cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries attacked Israel during the War of Independence?

Arab nations Signup and view all the answers

How many Jews were expelled from Arab countries?

Approximately 800,000 Jews were expelled from Arab countries. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the outcome of the Battle of Netanya seen as a 'miracle'?

The Israelis used creative tactics to scare off the Arab forces, who mistook the noise for American tanks, leaving behind artillery for Israel. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it relevant that the majority of Jewish citizens were refugees from WW2?

The majority of Jewish citizens being refugees added to the vulnerability of Israel at the time of independence. Signup and view all the answers

What event in the year 1897 proclaimed the right of the Jewish people to national revival in their own country?

The First Zionist Congress Signup and view all the answers

Which event in 1917 acknowledged the right of the Jewish people to national revival in their own country?

The Balfour Declaration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Birth of the State of Israel

After World War II, Jewish survivors from Europe attempted to immigrate to Palestine, then a British-mandated territory, but the British refused to allow them to settle due to fear of friction with the Arab world.
The British handed the issue over to the United Nations, which was formed in 1945 to maintain international peace and prevent conflict.
In 1947, the UN recommended the separation of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, with an internationally controlled area around Jerusalem, known as Resolution 181.
The Jews accepted the plan, but the Arabs rejected it, opposing any Jewish rule in Palestine.
The majority of the UN voted in favor of Resolution 181, with 33 countries in favor, 13 against, and 10 abstaining.

The Relevance of Resolution 181 Today

Resolution 181 confirmed the recognition of the Jewish people's right to a state in their historical homeland.
The resolution called for the establishment of two states for two peoples, Jewish and Arab, with each fulfilling the national aspirations of its respective population.
The refusal of the Arab population to accept Resolution 181 demonstrated their lack of interest in establishing their own state if it meant acknowledging the existence of a Jewish state.

The Declaration of Independence

On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the creation of the State of Israel, with Chaim Weizmann as its first president.
The new state faced many challenges, including fighting a war of survival against the Arab states who invaded the new nation, and absorbing the large number of Jewish immigrants coming in daily.
The War of Independence was a complex and costly war, with 1% of Israel's population dying in the war, and the Arab population suffering as a result of their leaders' refusal to accept the partition plan.

The War of Independence

Five Arab armies invaded Israel on the same night it declared independence, seeking to destroy it.
Israel prevailed, but at a great cost, with 1% of its population dying in the war.
The war also resulted in 700,000 Arabs fleeing Israel or being caught up in the fighting, while 800,000 Jews were expelled from Arab countries and found refuge in Israel.

The Birth of a Miracle

One remarkable story from the War of Independence is the Battle of Netanya, where Israelis used creative tactics to deceive the Arab army into thinking they had American tanks, causing them to flee and leaving behind a treasure trove of artillery.
This battle is seen as a miracle due to the unlikely nature of the Israeli victory, and its relevance to the establishment of the State of Israel.

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Description

Learn about the historical background of the State of Israel and the events leading up to the War of Independence in 1948. Explore the challenges faced by Jewish refugees from Europe and the British-mandated control over Palestine.