Please go to the following website: http://www.historyandtheheadlines.abc-clio.com/ContentPages/ContentPage.aspx?entryId=1271019
There you will find an introduction to ABC-CLIO’s encyclopedia on the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Read the introduction and at the right of the screen is the alphabet. Click on any letter in the encyclopedia. Select an entry in that letter and read it. Write down the entry title and your brief summary of the entry. You will do this 3 times total. Submit your 3 entries and summaries online. AVOID duplicating what other students have written–check first! There are plenty of entries in the encyclopedia to avoid duplication! Then, select an entry from another student’s post and write down the entry on a sheet of paper–bring the sheet of paper to class on Monday (11/10) for a discussion.
on Nov 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
11/3
Operation Nachshon
This was a military relief operation to get supplies and food to Jewish areas of Palestine that were cut off by Arabs. 1500 troops were fielded for the operation, which was the largest they had ever ordered at that time. A large human “corridor” would be opened to get supplies to the Jews. The operation worked, but the relief was short-lived. Soon, Arabs resealed the area and supplies dwindled.
Tomb of the Patriarchs
The Tomb of the Patriarchs is the second holiest site for Judaism, and the one of the holiest sites for Islam. Both a mosque and a synagogue are built of top of the site and operate independent of each other, although both services are held in the tomb. Jews believe many patriarchs and their wives are buried there. Muslims believe that Abraham and his wife are buried there.
Zionist Organization of America
Founded in 1897. The ZOA is the oldest pro-Zionist organization in America. It has about 30,000 paying members and maintains chapter offices in many major cities, although New York City is where its headquarter is located. It’s involved in many lobbing efforts and often works with a sister organization, the Woman’s Zionist Organization of America
Also, 1st post!
on Nov 4th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
11/4
Ariel Sharon
Ariel Sharon was an army general who led an infantry company in the Alexandroni Brigade during the Israeli War of Independence. After the war, he receive criticism for targeting both Arabs and non combatants. He was charged for killing 69 civillians. While he received criticism, he also received praise for using genius tactics while fighting. In 2001, he became the prime minister of Israel.
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is one of the most important canals in the world. It links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Since it was introduced in 1869, it has been the site of many struggles. In 1956, Israel sent troops to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. This began the Suez Canal Crisis. From 1956 to 1975, the Suez Canal was closed to Israeli shipping while the battle between Egypt and Israel continued.
Suicide Bombing
Suicide Bombing is the technique used to destroy a certain target with explosives while the person detonating them is expected to die. Individuals hide explosives and metal schrapnel taped to themselves, and then proceed to enter a wide, populated area. This idea of bombing is obviously upsetting to people, because of the fact that the bombings are unpredictable and they are risks in everyday activities. Younger people are attracted and tempted by suicide bombings because they are taught that it cleans the soul of sins and allows their Muslim families higher status.
on Nov 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
West Baknk-
The West Bank is the name commonly used to discribe the territory west of the Jordan River. It is a territory that has been faught over by Jews and Arabs since the decleration of Israeli independence. Today, about fourty percent of the area and 98 percent of the population is Arab and a bout 30 percent of that population belongs to Arab refugees.
Gaza Strip-
The Gaza Strip is a havily populated strip of land along the Med. Sea. It is another peice of land that has been faught over since the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel. Jews believe it is part of their “Promised Land” from God while others believe otherwise. At the beginging of the 21st centry there were 25 Israeli settlements in Gaza but by 2005, they began to withdraw. Today Gaza is controlled by a criminal gang called Hamas and is more isolated then ever.
Green Line-
The Green Line was the border of Israel prior to the Six-Day war. It encompassed about 78 percent of Palestine territory in 1947 and was based on military conciderations. It divided towns, villiages, even a farmer from his land thus, causeing a lot of controversy.
on Nov 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Koran-
The Koran is Islam’s Holy book. In Arabic, Koran means declaim or recite. It is believed that the Koran is the revelations of the Prophet Muhammad dictated from the angel Gabriel. The Koran is organized into divisions of ayat or verses. There are 114 surahs in the Koran, the length varies from 3 to 286 verses.
Reform Judaism and Zionism-
Judaism has changed over the years to become less strict on its rules. Reform Judaism has its roots in the Jewish Enlightenment. Reform Judaism occurred because the Jews were trying to integrate themselves into the larger civic structure of the nation. The gradual change to Reform Judaism can be exemplified by the movement to Zionism.
East Africa Scheme-
The East African Scheme (Uganda Scheme) was a plan to move the Jews to British East Africa. Joseph Chamberlain suggested this place to Theodor Hertzl as the perfect place to move the Jews to. Some representatives objected the Scheme; although, the final vote was in favor of the plan. The Scheme lasted for two years (1903-1905)
on Nov 5th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Arafat, Yasser
He was born August 24th, 1929 and died November 11th 2004. Yasser was the Palestinian nationalist and the leader of the PLO, for 36 years. His real name was Mohammed Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini. He led the PLO so that they could come with peace with the Israelis and helped create the Oslo Peace Accords, so that the Palestinians could self-rule the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Banker Plan
The plan started November 1st 1989 and ended June 1990. The Banker Plan was to establish guidelines for the election of a Palestinian governing council and to jump-start flagging peace efforts between Israel and Palestinians. This plan was base on the plan were Israel called for strengthening their relationship with Egypt and other Arab nations. The plan fell in June 1990, when Yitzhak Shamir rejected the Banker plan.
Literary Club
It was founded in Palestine in 1918 by Hasan Sidqi al-Dajani. The club was dedicated to maintain the distinctiveness of the Arab Palestinians and agitating against British rule in Palestine. The members resented British authorities, despised the idea of Zionism, and rejected calls for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.
on Nov 6th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Clinton, William Jefferson
Raised by a single mother in the town of Hope, Arkansas, William (Bill) Clinton developed a very astute and precocious mind. This mental capability led in to become an Oxford Scholar, and finally the President of the United States in 1992. During his terms, Clinton made substatial and active steps in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. He brought Israeli leaders, primarily Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, and the PLO leader Yasser Arafat together on numerous occasions, proposing compromises such as the Wye River Agreement and Oslo Accords. While none of these agreements made a large difference, Bill still made a positive impact on the conflict.
Munich Olympic Games
The 1972 Olympic Games should have been a monumental period in history, being the largest games of that time period, but it will always be associated with an aweful hate crime. At 5:00 A.M. on September 22nd, two Israelis were killed, and nine Isrealis were taken hostage by Arab terrorists. Negotitations commenced, and by 3:00 A.M. the next morning, German sharpshooters opened fire on the terrorists, resulting in the deaths of all nine Israeli prisoners. This event sparked violence back in Israel, and will always be recognized in infamy as on of the worst times in world history.
Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords was a ground-breaking agreement compiled by Bill Clinton, PLO leader Yasser Arafat, and Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin. Signed on September 13, 1993, the PLO recognized Israel’s right to exist, and pledged to end military action against Israel in the Accords. The PLO agreed to these terms in hope that the lives of Palestinians in occupied territories would be improved, and Israel would withdraw from territories seized in the 1967 war. However, the Oslo Accords seemed to fall apart and none of the Palestinian hopes came true.
on Nov 7th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Jihad
Jihad, although often interpreted as “holy war,” actually means “struggle.” Jihad is separated into two parts, Lesser and Greater Jihad. Lesser Jihad is the physical duty to defend and spread Islam through warfare, while Greater Jihad is the inner, spiritual struggle to perfect one’s self, although not all Muslims accept these definitions. Lesser Jihad can be offensive or defensive. Many Muslims consider foreign intervention into the affairs of Islamic nations reason to perform defensive Jihad through acts of violence, while others believe in a more peaceful interpretation of Jihad. Jihad is also seen as justification for acts of terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda.
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War took place from October 6, 1973 and October 26, 1973. It is so named because Arab forces attacked Israel in a surprise attack on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The war was caused by resentment among Arab Nations due to the Six-Day War, during which Israel had humiliated Arab armies and seized large tracts of Arabic land. An estimated 18,087 were killed in action, and tens of thousands more were wounded.
Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin was the communist dictator of the Soviet Union between 1929 and 1953. He was born Joseph Dzhugashvili on December first, 1879 in Georgia (the name Stalin was a pseudonym that he later used, it translates to “steel.”) Stalin joined the Russian Social Democratic Labor party, where he used methods such as robbery and counterfeiting to secure funds. After a brief exile to Siberia and involvement is several wars, Stalin became dictator of the Soviet Union in the late 1920s. While Stalin was in power, he refined the secret police and slave labor camps, as well as changing Russia’s economic policies to ones that focused on heavy industry. Despite Stalin’s skill as a military commander, the Soviet Union suffered during WWII, with massive death and destruction. Stalin greatly lowered living conditions in Russia, and tried to retain support of the people by glorifying communism and attributing all of the Soviet Union’s success to himself. After the end of WWII, Staling grew increasingly paranoid, and many were glad when he died on March 5, 1953, of a paralytic stroke.
on Nov 8th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a body of water that separate Asia from Africa. It is 1,450 miles long from its northern most tip to its southern most edge. It was probably named either because of a mistranslation from “reed sea” or because of its occasional excessive amounts of red algae. It is connected to the Med Sea by the Suez Canal. Important to political power.
Imam
Imam has many meanings. Some including “leader,” “ultimate leader,” and “leader of prayer.” Shia Islams and Sunni Islams interpret this differently. It was believed in early times that Muhammad’s spiritual power was passed on to the Imam. The Shia believed the Imam had an infallible spiritual knowledge, and had absolute religious athority. They believe that the last Imam is neither dead nor alive and will appear on the Day of Judgement. The Sunnis do not believe this but interpret the term to simple mean someone who leads prayer.
Bilu
Bilu is an organization established by university students in 1882 in Kharkov. It was a movement of Jewish pioneers who first began to setlle in Palestine. Bilu is an acronym derived from the verse “Bet Ya’akov L’khu V’Nelkha.” July 1882 was when the first group of 14 people arrived in Palestine with the plan to create a communal settlement there. Because of lack of water after a few months they left to seek financial assistance. There journey, though unsuccessful, inspired others to do the same.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 9:39 am
-Black September
Black September was a conflict between Jordanian Army and various people of PLO. The conflict started with attacks and PLO wanted to create a state within a state. There were hijackings and a cease-fire agreement was only reached for 2 months.
-Communists party of Israel
Also know as the Maki-Jewish-Arab anti-Zionist political party. They embraced Marxist socialism. The communist party came during the Zionist movement. Joseph Stalin dissolved it, but some say it still remained.
-Isser Harel
Isser Harel was head of Israeli Mossad Intelligence organization. He was in a Zionist youth group. He immigratted to Palestine in 1930. He is best know for the hunt of Adolf Eichmann (had major role in Holocaust. Also responsible for the assination of German scientists working on missele program in Egypt.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Qibya Massacre
On October 14, 1953, a group of Israeli soldiers attacked the town of Qibya in the West Bank, killing 60 and wounding many others. Many of those who died were women and children, and the town was almost completely destroyed. The attack was retaliation for a number of Palestinian attacks from Jordan and the West Bank. The Israeli government ended up denying having any part in the raid, and the UN Security Council passed a resolution condemning the raid.
Zayyad, Tawfiq
Tawfiq Zayyad was a Palestinian poet, author, and an Israeli politician. He was born May 7th, 1929 and died July 5th, 1994 in a car crash. He was very involved in politics in Israel, and served as a member of Parliament from 1973 until 1994. He was a member of the Israeli Communist Party (Rakah) and tried to end prejudices in Israel against the Palestinians.
Haniyeh, Ismail
Ismail Haniyeh was born January of 1962. As a Hamas official and a former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) he is very involved in politics. Ismail Haniyeh has been jailed several times by the Israeli government and also the target of several assassination attempts, all of which failed. He as actually fairly moderate for someone who is a member of Hamas, and hoped that multilateral talks could solve the Arab-Israeli conflict.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Star of David
This symbol, also known as the Shield of David, is most commonly used by people of Jewish identity. It was said to represent the shield of King David, or a symbol on the shield. This symbol of two equilateral triangles, one facing up and the other down, was long associated with good luck in the middle eastern area. The menorah was the primary Jewish symbol before the Star of David. Although this change was controversial, in 1897 the World Zionist Organization adopted it as the official symbol and the rest of the world followed.
Palmach
A Jewish fighting force created by the British and Jewish Haganah (defense) on May 15, 1941. This strike force was originally commanded by Yitzhak Sadeh and was composed of about one third women. The Palmach was broken up when the British defeated the Germans and was reassigned to protect the Yishuv, a Jewish settlement. The Palmach had organized itself into six regular companies and six special units, they also had a border police, sea force; Pal-Yam, and air force of British trained Jewish pilots. The Palmach attacked British infrastructure, resulting in many Palmach leaders to be arrested and is known as the Black Sabbath. Palmach was then formed into two units of the newly created IDF, which went on to concur great lands such as the Gaza strip.
Dead Sea
A body of water found between Israel and Jordan, it is the lowest land point on earth. It has a high salinity, approximately nine times greater than an ocean. This also contributes to the name. No aquatic life can survive in such an environment, with the exception of microorganisms which appear dead, thus the name. It is also thought to be the home of biblical cities such as Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed in God’s wrath. Many of the Jordan’s rivers are being diverted for agriculture and so its salinity has increased while its surface area has decreased. To save the Dead Sea Israel, Jordan, and Palestine will build a canal from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 11:17 am
~Jordan River
The Jordan River provides muchof the water needed in the dry desert regions. It is a major issue among countries such as Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinian people. the Jordan River provides most of the water for agriculture, hydroelectric power,and drinking in the Arab countries. The Jordan river is a crucial landmark and necessity.
*Mecca
Mecca is the city in Saudi Arabia with a large population of more than a million people. The sacred mosque (the holiest Muslim place on Earth) is located there. It is a muslims duty to go to mecaa at least once in their life to see the mosque, called the hajj, which is when mecca ios swarmed with people. If you are not Muslim, you are not allowed to enter mecca.
-Avukah
Located in Palestine. . Avukah is also known as the American Student Zionist Federation. They created a strong identity among Jews, and they offered strong support for the jewish people. It was founded at Harvard Unv. by a man named Joseph Shubow. THey basically worked to promote Zionism, which attracted many young people. Many of the members entered militaryservices during the war, which caused Avukah to eventually close in 1943.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Galilee
Galilee is a region in northern Israel. It is divided into three parts, Upper, Lower, and Western Galilee. It is mentioned in the Old Testament. Jews lived there many years before the Diaspora. After the Diaspora it was controlled by the Ottoman Empire until Israel reclaimed it during the Israeli War of Independence. Upper Galilee has seen many conflicts with the PLO and Hezbollah. Galilee is unique because 50% of its population is non Jewish. Arabs make up a large part of the population.
Nazareth
Nazareth is a town located in Lower Galilee. Despite being a small town it is important to Christians because of its Biblical importance. The city is a site for many Christian’s pilgrimages. Archaeologists believe the town was founded in about 7000 BC. When Muslims conquered Palestine in 637, Nazareth was in ruins. It was rebuilt by Christian Crusaders in 1099. Over the next thousand years Palestine and Nazareth traded between Muslim and Christian control. Today the city has a mixed population with both Jews, Arab Christians and Muslims.
Jericho
Jericho is a city located in the West Bank. Its history dates back nearly 11,000 years. In 1907 archeological evidence was found of the famous Old Testament story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. The event probably occurred in 1550 BC. Over many years the city of Jericho has been under the rule of the Babylonians, Byzantine Empire, Muslims, and Romans. When Israel was first made a state Jericho was a part of Israel but later in 1994 it was made part of Palestine. Jericho was turned over to Palestine on March 16th 2005.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Valley of the Tears
This was the sight of the first battle on the northern front during the Yom Kippur war. The Syrians launched a surprise attack on the Israeli forces in the Golan Heights. The Israelis were well out numbered by the greater forces of the Syrian army. The Israeli forces had many casualities, but in the end forced the Syrians out. This occured when a force of 13 Israeli tanks under the leadership of Ben Hannan flanked the Syrians and forced them off the line. Ben Hannan was awarded the medal of valor, the highest award given to an Israeli soldier, for his actions.
Diaspora
Greek term for the dispersion of the Jews. Orginally, the Jews were deported to Mesopotamia from Palistine. Most Jews stayed here for a while even though they were given a chance to return to Mesopotamia. When the Roman empire came to power the Jews followed them north to Europe. From here some Jews fled to North America and South America, but most Jews stayed to Europe. During this time most Jews were begging for a homeland. It wasnt until after the Holocaust that this was granted to the Jews.
Yusuf, Hasan
Born in 1955 and is now a Palentinian politican. Senior Hamas leader who is head of the West Bank branch. West Bank branch considered to be more moderate then the Gaza Strip branch. He used to travel village to village preaching in the mosques. Currently Yusuf accepts the proposed two-state soltion to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Einstein, Albert (March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955)
Albert Einstein was a German physicist, developer of the theories of relativity, Nobel Prize winner, vocal post-World War II peace activist, and prominent American Jew born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, Württemberg, Germany. By the early 1920’s, he had become one of the most well known scientists in the world and had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Einstein first became active in the Zionist movement in the 1920’s but imagined a place where Jews could live without prejudice in a community of shared values and ideas. He was forced to move to the U.S. in 1933 when the Nazi regime rose, and he helped to develop the first nuclear bomb. Later, though, he called for abolition of nuclear tests. Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey.
Jewish Legion
The Jewish Legion, also known as the Jewish Battalions, was a formation of Jewish volunteers raised by Great Britain that fought in World War I. Palestinian Jews led by Vladimir Jabotinsky and Joseph Trumpeldor, expelled by the Ottoman Empire, gathered in Egypt and petitioned to join the British army. About 6,500 Jews served in the five Jewish battalions formed by the end of World War I. Most of these veterans settled in Palestine afterwards.
Chamberlain, Joseph (July 8, 1836 – July 2, 1914)
Joseph Chamberlain was a British politician and secretary of state for the colonies (1895-1903) and was born in London on July 8, 1836. He became an advocate of social reform during his time as mayor of Birmingham from 1873-1876. Chamberlain met Zionist leader Theodor Herzl in October 1902 and supported his plan for British government support for the establishment of an autonomous Jewish settlement in the Sinai Peninsula, which collapsed under Egyptian government opposition. He then supported Jewish settlement inside the British Empire and continued to express great admiration for Herzl. Joseph Chamberlain died of a heart attack on July 2, 1914 in London as one of the most prominent British politicians of the era.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
-Rifles
Rifles are the standard weapons for infantry. Rifles were used during the Ara-Israeli conflict, as they are in all modern wars. A carbine is a more compact version of a rifle. The SMLE was the standard issue rifle during WWII. Most of the world’s nations embargoed the shipment of rifles to Israel. Israel initially recieved the majority of their rifles from Czechoslovakia. In modern times the M-16 is the standard issue rifle for the Israeli army. The Arab armies use the AK-47.
-Tomb of the Patriarchs
A holy site for Islam and Judaism alike. It was the capital of Israel from 1021–922 BC. Muslims converted the entire structure into a mosque. Christian crusades captured the structure and it again became a church. The tomb is now both a mosque and a synagogue. The Tomb is the Patriarchs is considered the second holiest site in Judaism.
-Battle of Baltim
This was a battle fought during the 1973 Yam Kippur war. The battle took place on October 12th and 13th. The war was fought between Israeli and Egyptian boats. Commander Michael Barkai was an Israeli fleet leader. He and his men chased Egyptian boats for several minutes to get them into their range. The battle took place late at night, over the midnight hours.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
-Tel Aviv-Jaffa
The second largest city in Israel is made up of both Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Jaffa is an old city that was ruled by over 30 different people. King Thutmose and King David were notable leaders. Tel Aviv was founded by Jewish pioneers in 1909. In 2006 it had an estimated 2.7 million population.
-Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein lived from March 14, 1879-April 19, 1955. The German-born physicist formed many ideas and theories. He was Jewish and a World War II peace activist. By the 1920’s he became one of the most popular scientists in the world. He helped create the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1923. He also helped out on the Manhattan Project which produced the first nuclear bomb.
-Peace Movements
Although the Middle East is known for the violence, many efforts are made to have more peace in the Middle East. Peace groups have shown up in Palestine and Israel the most because fo the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Many times Israel and Palestine have tried to sign peace treaties but it has never turned out to work. Many peace organizations are trying to bring Israelis and Arabs together.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Edmond de Rothschild
Born in Paris on August 19, 1845, Rothschild was privately educated and served in the French Army. After becoming an accomplished art collector and a contributor to the scientific community, Rothschild took up the cause of refugee Jews from Russia. Rothschild established Jewish colonies in Palestine centered around agriculture. He was careful not to provoke Ottoman authorities and used his finances to buy officials for the colonies. By 1900, his influence dwindled as more Zionist militants took over. During World War I, Rothschild was sure the Ottoman Empire would collapse. He aligned with the Zionists and the British in 1917, who made the Balfour Declaration, giving the Jews a homeland in Palestine. Rothschild died November 2, 1934.
B’riha
B’riha is the Hebrew word for flight and was the mass migration of Jews from Europe to Palestine. B’riha occurred from 1944 to May of 1948 because many Holocaust survivors did not want to return to their homeland to face further persecution. In early 1945, survivors from the Warsaw Ghetto set up B’riha. Between February and May of 1945 B’riha helped 1500 Jews go to Romania illegally. B’riha also helped move 27,000 Jews to Italy in separate times. In late 1945 the Mosad L’Aliya Bet, or illegal immigration center, took charge of the collection of the B’riha Jews. Between July 1 and September 30, 1946, some 73,000 Polish Jews left their homeland with B’riha and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. About 250,000 Jews left Europe with help from B’riha, the largest organized mass exodus in history. So, after the establishment of Israel, B’riha dissolved.
New Wafd Party
The Wafd Party is one of Egypt’s leading political opposition parties that assembled in 1919 to advocate against British rule. For decades, Wafd was Egypt’s leading political party, but disbanded after political parties were declared illegal in 1952. It reassembled in 1978 as the New Wafd Party, but disbanded and then reassembled again in 1983. The NWP is a liberal party that works towards many democratic freedoms we have in America. NWP opposes the limitation of elections and limitation freedom of the press that President Hosni Mubarak enforced. The NWP is a minority in Egypt’s government, but they are still making an impact in their opposition of Mubarak’s National Democratic Party.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Knesset:
Israel’s parliament. Passes legislation, elects president of state and president of comptroller. Power to “revoke members’ immunity from prosecution” and remove Prime Minister (with 61% majority).
Jenin:
Town in West Bank. Population about 34,000 people. April 3-11, 2002: Palestinian terrorists and Israel Defense Forces have a fierce battle. General accepted death toll: 23 Israeli soldiers; 52-56 Palestinians, including ~22 civilians.
Cairo Accord:
Started May 4th, 1994. ‘Twas an accord signed by PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) representatives and Israeli officials in Cairo, Egypt which led to production of PA (Palestinian Authority) and land transfer promises by Israel. Sometimes called ‘Gaza-Jericho Agreement’, because Israel forces had to leave most of the Gaza Strip and all of Jericho to Palestine, which happened around the end of May 1994. May have marked the high point, but was not strictly followed.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
-Terrorism
“The use of violence by nongovernmental organizations to pursue political goals that they believe cannot be accomplished by legal methods within the normal political process.” Terrorism has been used many times in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Both sides have used this as a means of accomplishing their objectives, and this will likely continue. The most well known Middle Eastern terrorist group in America is Al Qaeda. They are responsible for the 9/11 attacks and they are still active. The PLO, an Arabian terrorist group , have killed many Isrealis during the Arab-Israeli conflict
-Machine Guns
Machine guns are heavy rapid-firing, crew-served small arms that can provide continuous bursts of automatic fire. They have always been an integral part of Israeli infantry tactics. In the late 1940s and the 1950s, the Israel Defense Forces was equipped with American made M-1919A6 .30-caliber and M-2 HB .50-caliber Browning machine guns. The Isrealis have enhanced the designs of machine guns which led to the creation of the Uzi submachine gun and the Galil automatic rifle. The machine gun has played an integral part in the development, execution, and lasting of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
-Nuclear Weapons
Although no state has detonated a nuclear bomb in any of the Arab-Israeli wars, they have played a major role in regional politics, and the use of it have been threatened in crises.The four major countries involved in significant nuclear activity since 1945 are Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Israel. Since the 1970s, these nation’s efforts to acquire nuclear weapons have increase dramatically. This has resulted in tense relations among Middle Eastern countries.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Talmud
The Talmud is an interpretation of the writings of the Torah, or the first part of the Hebrew Bible. It shows how to interpret the laws in the Torah. Oral teachings of the Talmud lasted until the second century A.D., when it was written down in the form of the Mishna. Newer writings were called the Gemara. There are two different Talmuds: the Jerusalem Talmud and the Babylonian Talmud. the Talmud has been added to and changed over the years. Rabbinic scholars’ debates on the Mishna are included in the Gemara. Not all Jews view the Talmud as an authoritative text.
Bedouin
The Bedouin are nomadic and seminomadic, located in the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, the Levant, Iraq, the Negev Desert, and the Sinai Peninsula. They are of Arab origin and practice Islam. Since the 19th century, they have been forcibly settled by governments, and some have given up their way of life to live in towns and cities. Today they make up 12 percent of the total Arab population. They are still pressured to leave their nomadic way of life to settle.
Giddi Pass
The Giddi Pass is in the west-central Sinai Peninsula. It lies approximately 25 miles east of the Suez Canal. The Giddi Mountain is an obstacle for east-west travel to and from the southern Suez Canal. The Giddi Pass is one of the few routes through. In the 1960s, the Egyptian government constructed a paved road through it. International monitoring of the Giddi Pass contributed to the signing of an Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
-Land Day
Land Day occurs on March thirtieth to remember the seventy-six Arabs attacked, six of which were killed, by Israeli soldiers in 1976. The Israeli government had announced it was taking over a large amount of Arabian land which angered the people living there. The Arabs rioted and their acts were severely punished.
-Eilat Sinking
The Israeli warship, the Eilat, was destroyed by an Egyptian missile on October twenty-first, 1967, making it the first warship to ever be sunk by a missile. The ship was struck by several missiles, killing or injuring most of the crew. The Egyptians became confident in their new weapon and sunk other Israeli ships afterwards.
-Yesh Gvul: “There is a limit”.
The Yesh Gvul was an organization formed to resist military service in the Israeli Defense Forces. It was formed due to the invasion of Lebanon by the Israelis. This organization helped the protestors and activists who were forced to serve in the IDF. A petition aiding their refusal was signed by thousands and given to the Prime Minister; some were given terms in military prison.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Western Wall
The Western Wall, also known as the wailing wall has been a part of Jewish and Muslim culture for many years. Muslims believe it is where Muhamad went to heaven follwing his Night Journey to Jersalem. It is also a preeminent place of prayer for the Jewish people. Battles over the Western wall started in 1928, but erupted in to full scale violence the folling year when armed Arab attacks on Jews spread from Jerusalem to Palestine. During the battles 133 Jews were killed and another 399 were wounded. Arabs lost 87 wariors and 97 were wounded in the fighting.
Hula Valley
The Hula Valley is located on the Syrian and Israeli border, and control has been important for both sides because it is a very agricultural piece of land and has important water supplies. In the late 19th century it became a place where many European settelers went. In the UN partition plan in 1947 the Hula Valley was awarded to Israel and all Arab people were expelled by Israeli forces.
Fatah
The fatah was an influential military, governing, and political faction within the PLO. This group was officially orginally founded on December 31, 1964. For much of the official history, Yasser Arafat was the party cheif. The fatah embraced the concept that armed conformation was the best way to create an unified and independent Palestine. The fatahhad three main goals, the destruction of Israel, plitical freedom from other Arab nations, and the creation of a Palestinian state.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
-Abu Abbas
Abu Abbas was born on December 10, 1948. Twenty years later in 1968, Abbas joined the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC). Later, he would leave the PFLP-GC and form the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) in April of 1977. There he would mastermind the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship the Achille Lauro, one of the worst terrorist attacks by the PLF. In his later life, he would be arrested by the U.S. in Iraq, and die shortly after.
-Geneva Accord
The Geneva Accord was signed on December 1, 2003, and was created to motivate peace between the state of Israel and the surrounding Palestinian peoples. Specifically, the accord created an independent Palestinian nation located mainly on the west bank and the Gaza Strip. In return, the Palestinians had to recognize the existence of Israel. Palestinians would also have to stop all violent actions against Israel. The agreement was not well liked by the Israeli people.
-Ramla
Ramla is located in central Israel and has a population of about 65,000 people. During the Arab Palestinian days, it was the capital. The city of Ramla was first captured by the Arabs in the Israeli War of Independence. Since Ramla was located on a major railway junction, it was of vital military importance. Ramla came under Jewish control when it was captured July 9-12, 1948.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Hasidic Judaism
Hasidic, or loving kindness, Judaism was created in Eastern Europe in the 18th century. The Jews were being persecuted at the time. This made them turn to there faith. Jews began intense Talmudic study, which then established Hasidic Judaism. These believers show their inner spirituality by performing practices and traditions to bring them closer to God. The founder of Hasidism is Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. He is believed to perform miracles and is known as a rebbi, which means master or teacher. Rebbes are one reason Hasidic and Orthodox practices are divided. Men in the Hasidic religion generally wear black pants, white shirts, and a black hat. Women wear long black skirts. Men do not shave there side burns because in there holy book it states one should not shave the side’s of one’s head.
Al Qaeda
Al Qaeda, base or foundation, is a terrorist group created by Sheik Abdullah Azzam in 1987 or 1988. He was a college professor and was a teacher to Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden was influenced by Azzam. The terrorist group was funded by Osama and they trained recruits to fight against the Soviets in jihah, or holy war. Al Qaeda has many goals. They want to destroy Israel, rid Islamic world of the influence of Western civilization, fight against opposing governments of Islam, and aid Islamic groups. The groups most horrific attacks were on the U.S. on September 11. Four planes were hijacked and crashed.
Qassam Rocket
This mixture of potassium nitrate and sugar is used to attack Israel. The rocket is named after Sheikh Izz al-Din al-Qassam. The weapon is inaccurate and has a short range, but is easily set up making it a good hit-and-run weapon. This rocket was made to secure the barrier between Israel and the Gaza Strip. The first rocket was launched in October of 2001, but never made it out of Gaza. Sderot was the first city hit by a Qassam rocket. On March 5, 2002 the city was struck. The first Israelis to die from Qassam fire were two children, ages four and two on September 29, 2004. The Qassam rocket has upgraded since it has first been used. The rocket size has increased 188 pounds. The range has also increased about 19,000 yards.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Music:
Lots of the music in the Middle East aren’t just for entertainment like in the West, but usually something political, social, or religious is behind the words. There are many different instruments used, some that even Western countries might recognize, but the most important instrument for them is the human voice. Lots of the famous musicians were involved in religious activities or politics. In some Middle Eastern countries, Western classical music is popular. To this day, new types of music are surfacing.
Anthony Zinni:
This man started out as a U.S. Marine Corps general, became the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, and finally became the envoy for U.S. to Israel and the Palesteinian Authority. During his job as the envoy, he went back and forth to Israel 3 times, meeting with the Israelian leader and the Palesteinian leader. One his third trip there, he believed he was making process until a sucide bomber bombed a hotel holding a Passover Seder, which made the Israelis attack back, soon cutting away any ties the two nations had made. He retired afterword, still acting as an advisor and critic.
Quibya Massacre:
The Israelis attacked a town called Quibya, which lies on the West Bank. During this time, Quibya was under Jordanian rule. The Palesteinians had recently made multiple raids on the Israelis, and then murdered a woman and her two children. That was when the Israelis wanted revenge. They decided to attack Quibya because, for one, it was close, and two, this was the spot that all the attacks were believed to have come from. The Israelis blew up multiple homes, claiming that the ones that they did were empty. AFter the raid, the Israelis tried to make it seem like nothing big happened. No one believed that, and soon the Israeli government was getting lots of critizism from their citizens.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Sorry I did not notice that Eric had already done Albert Einstein, so I am replacing my Albert Einstein post with this.
-Book of Genesis
The first book of the Bible tells the stories of the creation of the universe and humanity in chapters 1-11. Chapters 12-25 are about Abraham’s life. Islam says that Abraham had a son, Ishmael, who God told Abraham to take away to show commitment to God. This is known as the pilgramige to Mecca. The Book of Genesis also says that Ishmael’s 12 sons became leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribes grew and so did the religion of Islam.
on Nov 9th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Completed in 335 the church blended 3 separate churches and holy sites. The original building was destroyed by the Persians in 614 and rebuiltby Modestus 616-626. It was destroyed again in 1009 by Fatimid caliph al-Hakim, this destruction helped spur the First Crusade. the church was captured during the First Crusade and the 3 holy sites were reunited. After WWI the British were given authority of the church and came under Jordanian control after the establishment of the state of Israel. Jordanian control lasted until the 6-day war when Israelis captured the Old City of Jerusalem. The building itself has been periodically renovated and restored. currently many churches act as custodians and worship works on an agreed schedule.
Mizrahi Judaism
Mizrahi Jews descend from North African and Middle Eastern Jewish communities. They currently make up over half of Israel’s population. Mizrahis fled there from persecution in their home countries after the establishment of the state of Israel. Many remain in Arab/Muslim countries of Northern Africa and the Middle East. The faith itself is fairly relaxed in regard of the Torah and observation of the commandments. Total observation is ideal, but any more than none is acceptable.
Louis Lipsky
Born on Nov. 30, 1876 in Rochester, NY to Polish immigrant parents. When he was 21, Lipsky became a journalist and began editing a Jewish weekly paper. He was ahuge advocate of Zionism in the U.S. Eventually he became the editor of the weekly “New Palestine” and continued to write Zionism articles. From 1911 to 1930 he devoted himself entirely to Zionism and in 1925 became the president of the Zionist Organization of America. He wrote many books including A Gallery of Zionist Profiles (1956) and died in 1963 in NYC.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Artillery, Antiaircraft:
Antiaaircraft arrtilery (AAA) saw its first use during World War One. AAA was divided into three categories, light, medium and heavy. Heavy AAA was eventually rendered useless and retired due to the creation of jet fighters and because of its low rate of fire. Light AAA was most often used because of its quicker rate of fire. During the Cold War era the United States invented a gatalin gun type of AAA that was capable of firing 3000 rounds per minute. However, all AAA was eventually outdone by SAM’s.
Bush, George Walker
Born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 6 of 1946, George Bush would then move with his family to Texas. He would then leave again to attend Phillips Academy and Yale. After graduation he would join the Texas Air National Gaurd, return form service, and attend Harvard. He then became govenor of texas in the year 1994. He then attempted to jump form this position to the presidency, and although there is some skeptisism about the election, he ultimately would be succesful. On September 11, 2001, the events at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and had it not been for heroics on a third plane, the White House. Bush used this to begin his war on terror, which has exhausted many American resources and funds. Many Americans find him to be the major reason for the United States’ problems.
Jenin:
On the days of April the 3rd through the 11th of 2002. A bloody battle took place beetween the Isreali Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian terrorists. This battle led to the IDF taking back many towns that had been turned over to Palestine. Which then led to 28 suicide bombings by Palestinian terrorists.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Rifles
Rifles are the most common used firearm in the ARab-Israeli conflict. While other weapons such as pistols and submachine guns were used, the rifle still is the main weapon relied upon. In Palestine, military and police forces have been trained with these weapons.
United Arab Republic
The United Arab Republic was a union between Egypt and Syria. On Nov. 18, 1957, the Syrian parliament met with a visiting Egyptian delegation. The meeting was set up for an attempt to make a Syrian-Egyptian Federation. After some adjustments, the union was approved on Feb. 1, 1958.
Abu Nidal
Abul Nidal was the leader of many radical groups in Palestine, including the Fatah Revolutionary Council and the Palestine Secret Organization. All these groups were equally notorious and by the mid 1980s, Nidal was considered one of the world’s most lethal terrorists and was the CIA’s top target. After many events, Nidal committed suicide on August 19, 2002, after being detained by Iraqi forces.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Arab Oil Embargo:
Arab members of OPEC Decidedto protest the U.S. by manipulating oil prices. As a result, the price of a barrel of oil nearly quadrupled, from $3.01 in the middle of October 1973 to $11.65 by the end of December. When the embargo took effect, worldwide fuel stocks were already strained as demand began to outpace supply. It lasted from October 17, 1973 to March 18, 1974. Even though it lasted half a year, It caused a global recession that would last throughout the 1970s.
Fayruz:
Fayruz was born Nuhad Haddad on November 21, 1935, in Beirut. As a chorus member at the Labanese radio station, Fayruz met Assi Rahbani, a composer who would become her husband. After marrying Assi Rahbani in 1953, She became very famous in the Arab World. Although her son is now singing, she is still healthy and singing.
Masada:
Masada is a hebrew word meaning “Fortress”. Masada is a rock mesa overlooking the Dead Sea in the eastern Judean Desert. There are four ways to get to 1,350 feet high plateau, the Snake Path from the east, the White Rock ascent from the west; and one approach each from the south and north. Masada emerged as a symbol of Jewish and Zionist resolve because of the many events that have occured there.
on Nov 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Palestine Liberation Army
The Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) was established in 1964 by the Palestinian National Congress. It was established to serve as military army of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). This army contained 20,000 to 30,000 people and caused the Iraqy control over the Hitten Brigade, the Qadisiyya Brigade, and the Ayn Brigade. In 1967 a Six-Day war made PLO leaders strengthen the PLA and in 1970 Arafat was named the leader of the army. Another member of the Military, Uthman Haddad was renamed leader shortly after. Also in 1970 Syria, Jordon, and Egypt used the PLA in wars against each other. On May 4, 1994 aftert the Declaration of Ciaro Agreement was signed the PLA was redeployed to the police force.
Waqf
A waqf (pluaral of awaqf) is a property that produces income and that may benifit a community after the person who owns that property dies. This land is supposed to be protected and not given to the government. This agreement was created in Arabia before
Islam was created. It is said that Muhammed created this agreement with a slave who owed him money. Before the Israeli Independence war 15% of Palestine’s land was under waqf but during the war, any government official who had administered waqf
had to flee. In 1965 waqf rights were once again given to families but the land was under the supervision of a board. This board had the ability to manage,sell, and dispose of the land if it was not serving it’s purpose. Waqf continues to cause many arguements and disputes still today.
Jericho
Jericho is located on the west bank of Palestine and about four miles from the Jordon River. The tale of Jericho is described in the old testament by Joshua. The story is told that after the Jews had been exiled for fourty years they decided to rebel and proteset. They marched around the wall around the city and shouted their protests and the wall tumbled down. This event was considered a miracle and is said to have taken place around 1550 BCE but scientest believe that the wall tumbled because of an earthquake. The Babylonians captured Jericho and rebuilt it but then the Roman’s gained control and destroyed it once again. In 747 Muslims gained control of Jericho until the Israeli Independence war. During this war many refugees fled to this city and in 2005 it was turned over to Palestinian Authority.