Palestina and Israel , how did we ended up here (part 1)

Since I lived for some time in Jerusalem, many friends have asked me my point of view of why all this is happening, so I tried to explain it as I studied and then ask all the time why the 3 religions couldn't live together in iconic city founded and center of the LOVE and values given by their religious believes.

When I was living there there was a lot that came

The why as I understood (and was told)

The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was a watershed moment in global politics, influenced heavily by the trauma of World War II and the Holocaust. This event was the culmination of the Zionist movement, which advocated for a Jewish homeland, and was facilitated by the United Nations, which aimed to resolve the long-standing conflict in Palestine after British withdrawal. The essay will explore the UN's decision to partition Palestine, the principles that Jewish leaders agreed upon at the establishment of Israel, and the planned relationship between the Jewish immigrants and the Arab population living in the region

Background

The desire for a Jewish state can be traced back to the 19th century with the rise of the Zionist movement, spearheaded by figures like Theodor Herzl. The movement gained momentum as persecution of Jews intensified in Europe, culminating in mass migrations to Palestine, particularly during and after the Holocaust. The British Mandate, established post-World War I, was marked by rising friction between Jewish settlers and Arab residents, fueled by competing national aspirations and British colonial policies. By the end of World War II, the urgency to resolve this conflict grew, compelling the newly formed United Nations to intervene.

The United Nations Partition Plan

In 1947, the United Nations proposed Resolution 181, which recommended the division of Palestine into independent Jewish and Arab states with an internationally-administered Jerusalem. This plan was intended to provide a solution to the increasing conflict under British governance and address the plight of Jewish refugees in Europe. The Jewish community, led by figures like David Ben-Gurion, largely supported the plan as a pragmatic step toward sovereignty, though it fell short of Zionist aspirations for greater territorial extent. Conversely, the Arab leadership and surrounding Arab states vehemently opposed the plan, leading to immediate tensions and conflicts.

Principles Agreed by Jewish Leaders

Upon declaring independence on May 14, 1948, Jewish leaders promulgated a Declaration of Independence which articulated the foundational principles of the new state. This document drew on the values of freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel, pledging to uphold the social and political equality of all its citizens, regardless of religion, race, or sex. It also emphasized the commitment to foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants and to preserve freedom of religion and conscience, including protecting the Holy Places of all religions.

Relationship with Arab Inhabitants

The envisioned peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between Jewish and Arab populations, as declared, faced immediate challenges. The Arab-Israeli War that erupted immediately after the declaration led to substantial Arab displacement—what Palestinians refer to as the Nakba or catastrophe. This initial conflict set the stage for ongoing strife, as many of the principles concerning coexistence and equality struggled against the realities of war, displacement, and competing national narratives. The promises of equality and protection of rights were overshadowed by military and social upheavals, creating long-standing issues of statehood, territorial disputes, and human rights that persist today.

My conclusion

The decision by the United Nations to partition Palestine and the subsequent establishment of Israel marked the beginning of a new geopolitical era in the Middle East. The principles laid out by Jewish leaders during Israel's founding reflected high ideals of democracy and cohabitation but were immediately tested by the harsh realities of regional conflict. Today, these issues remain central to Middle Eastern politics and continue to pose significant challenges to peace and stability in the region. Understanding these foundational moments and their enduring impacts is crucial for any meaningful analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader regional dynamics.

This expanded development should provide a solid foundation for your essay, offering both historical context and analysis of the complex issues at play.