Promise And Fulfilment Palestine 1917 - 1949: The Story of a Struggle

Once upon a time in the early 20th century, a land in the heart of the Middle East found itself at the center of a fierce struggle for control. Palestine, a region with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage, became the epicenter of heated debates, broken promises, and unfulfilled dreams. The years between 1917 and 1949 witnessed a tumultuous period where the fate of Palestine hung in the balance and its people yearned for self-determination.

The Balfour Declaration: A Promise Ignites Hope

In 1917, against the backdrop of World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration. This landmark document promised to establish "a national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine while guaranteeing the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities. The announcement sparked hope among Jewish communities worldwide, who saw it as a significant step towards the realization of their long-standing aspirations.

Arab Revolt and Divide

Nevertheless, the declaration faced fierce opposition among the Arab population of Palestine. They saw it as an encroachment upon their rights, fearing an influx of Jewish immigrants and potential loss of their homeland. The Arab Revolt of 1936-1939 exemplified the frustration and anger harbored by Arab leaders, who demanded an end to Jewish immigration and the establishment of an independent Arab state.

Promise and Fulfilment - Palestine 1917-1949

by Arthur Koestler(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1539 KB
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The Global Consequences of World War II

While the world was consumed by the horrors of World War II, Palestine faced its own set of challenges. The Jewish population in Palestine surged due to waves of Jewish immigration seeking refuge from Nazi persecution in Europe, further intensifying tensions on the ground. The international community, shaken by the atrocities of the Holocaust, felt compelled to address the Jewish refugee crisis and the quest for a Jewish homeland.

The United Nations and Partition

In 1947, with the involvement of the newly-formed United Nations, the issue of Palestine was brought to the forefront. The UN proposed a partition plan, aiming to establish separate Jewish and Arab states. However, this plan was met with resistance from both sides, showcasing the deep-rooted divisions and conflicting visions for the future of Palestine.

The Birth of Israel: A Dream Fulfilled, A Nightmare Begins

On May 14, 1948, following the withdrawal of British forces, the state of Israel was declared, marking a watershed moment in the history of Palestine. The Jewish community rejoiced at the realization of their dream for a homeland, while Arab nations felt betrayed and vowed to resist the establishment of Israel.

A Period of Turmoil and Struggle

What followed was a period of intense conflict and displacement. The 1948 Arab-Israeli War resulted in an exodus of Palestinian Arabs, who fled or were forcibly expelled from their homes. The war left scars on both sides, shaping the political landscape of the region for decades to come.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Struggle

The years that followed witnessed the establishment of an uneasy coexistence between Israel and its Arab neighbors, marked by intermittent periods of peace and eruption of violence. The Palestinians, scattered across the region and beyond, continued to seek recognition and strive for their own statehood.

The Promise Unfulfilled

Over seven decades have passed since the events that unfolded between 1917 and 1949 in Palestine. The promise of a homeland for the Jewish people was fulfilled, but the promise of self-determination for Palestinians remains unfulfilled. The struggle for recognition, political rights, and lasting peace continues to this day, keeping the hopes and dreams of a nation alive.

The story of Palestine from 1917 to 1949 is one of promises made and promises broken. It is a story of hope and despair, triumph and tragedy. It is a story that echoes through the generations, reminding us of the complexities and challenges that persist in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Promise and Fulfilment - Palestine 1917-1949

by Arthur Koestler(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1539 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This book consists of three parts, “Background”, “Close-up” and “Perspective”. The first part is a survey of the developments which led to the foundation of the State of Israel. It lays no claim to historical completeness and is written from a specific angle which stresses the part played by irrational forces and emotive bias in history. I am not sure whether this emphasis has not occasionally resulted in over-emphasis—as is almost inevitable when one tries to redress a balance by spot-lighting aspects which are currently neglected. But it was certainly not my intention, by underlining the psychological factor, to deny or minimize the importance of the politico-economic forces. My aim was rather to present, if I may borrow a current medical term, a “psycho-somatic” view of one of the most curious episodes in modern history.
The second part, “Close-up”, is meant to give the reader a close and coloured, but not I hope technicoloured, view of the Jewish war and of everyday life in the new State. It opens and ends with extracts from the diary of my last sojourn as a war correspondent in Israel. The emphasis here is on life in the towns, with only occasional glimpses of the collective settlements, since I have given a detailed description of these in an earlier book.
The third part, “Perspective”, is an attempt to present to the reader a comprehensive survey of the social and political structure, the cultural trends and future prospects of the Jewish State.