The Birth of Israel

Jewish Immigration

After the Second World War, refugees and displaced Jews from Europe began to attempt to emigrate to Palestine. British policy was to stop entry to Palestine. Refugees were stopped by British and sent to interment camps in Cyprus. The British detention camps would hold about 53,000 Jews from 1945 to the creation of Israel. Jewish immigrants would continue to immigrate to Palestine after the war despite the blockade.

Exodus

In July 1947 a cargo ship christened Exodus left France with 4500 Jews heading for Palestine. Exodus was intercepted by the British navy it was forced to dock in Haifa.The British sent the ship back to Europe amid public outcry. This played into public support for the formation of a Jewish state in Palestine.

From Partition to Creation of Israel

After the vote to partition on November 29, 1947 the Jewish and Arabs prepared for British withdrawal from Palestine. The Arabs organized themselves into the Arab league which was established in 1945. The Arab League however could not fully co-operate and organize because of distrust for one another.

Starting of hostilities

Before the declaration of statehood by Israel the Jewish agency started to implement a strategy to secure vital areas of the Hebrew state. This strategy was know as Plan D. This plan would be viewed as a policy of ethnic cleansing by Arabs and Palestinians.The Arab League organized attacks on Jewish settlements during this time as well.

PlanD.docx

Massacres before the declaration of Israel

In April 1948 Irgun and zionist forces attacked the village of Deir Yassin. During this attack it is estimated that between 100-254 civilians were massacred. In response to the Massacre at Deir Yassin Arabs attacked and killed 77 medical personnel who were part of a convoy.

The State of Israel is Declared

On May 14 1947 in Tel Aviv David Ben Gurion declared that at midnight the state of Israel would come into existence. Ben Gurion became the first prime minister of Israel. Chaim Weizmann would become the first president.

declaration of Israel.docx

Arab League and the new state of Israel

Two weeks prior to the declaration of the state of Israel the Arab League met to plan the invasion of Israel. On May 15 Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt declared war and invaded Israel.

Israel ArabsWas well organized and fighting for their survivalHad a population of 750,000Had 65,000 soldiersHad spent years preparing to defend themselvesWere able to import materials and weaponry into territory

Had a total population of around 40 millionFielded 30,000 soldiersWere distrustful of other arab countriesDid not have adequate training for the war

The war

The first part of the war began on May 15 1948 and ended June 11, 1948 with a truce between Israel, Jordan and Egypt. Within the month fighting would resume and the Israeli forces would defeat the Arabs. A peace agreement would be signed in February of 1949. By the end of the war Israel would come to control 80% of the original Palestinian mandate.

Al-Nakba (The Palestinian exodus from Israel)

After the formation of Israel more then three quarters of a million Arabs fled Israeli controlled areas. This became known as Al-Nakba, meaning "day of the catastrophe". Al-Nakba is held on 15 may to commemorate the exodus of Palestinians from the area.Palestinians left intending to come back to their homes. They are still living as refugees in the Gaza strip, the west bank, and surrounding countries.

Attachments

PlanD.docx

declaration of Israel.docx