The Jewish connection to the land of Israel is deeply rooted in history, culture, and religion, dating back to biblical times. Jews have considered the land of Israel as their ancestral homeland for over 3,000 years. The historic connection is documented in the Hebrew Bible, which recounts the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the conquest and settlement of Canaan, which they considered the Promised Land given to them by God.
Throughout history, there has always been a Jewish presence in the land, despite the various empires that controlled the region, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and later Islamic and Christian powers. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE by the Romans and the subsequent diaspora did not sever the connection; rather, it intensified the Jewish people's yearning to return.
The modern legal basis for Jewish sovereignty in Israel was laid during the early 20th century. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, a statement by the British government, supported the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then under British administration. This was followed by the San Remo Conference in 1920 and the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine in 1922, which recognized the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine and to the grounds for reconstituting their national home in that territory.
The Holocaust further underscored the necessity for a Jewish state, where Jews could have the right of self-determination and ensure their safety and survival. This led to increased immigration to Palestine and the eventual creation of the State of Israel in 1948, following the United Nations' adoption of the partition plan in Resolution 181, which recommended the establishment of independent Arab and Jewish States.
Israel's Declaration of Independence ensured that the state would be open for Jewish immigration and the ingathering of exiles, establishing a legal and moral right for Jews to have sovereignty in the land. This declaration also promised to safeguard the social and political rights of all its inhabitants, irrespective of religion, race, or gender, and to pursue peace with its neighbors.
It's important to note that the question of sovereignty over the land is complex, with valid claims and deep-seated emotions on all sides, including the Palestinians who also see the land as their home with historical and cultural significance. The right to self-determination is a principle that applies to all peoples, and the pursuit of peace and mutual recognition is crucial in addressing the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The legitimacy of Israel's right to exist and the Jewish connection to the land does not negate the need for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that respects the rights and historical connections of all peoples involved. The quest for such a solution continues to be a central issue in international diplomacy.
HAMAS
The stance of Hamas regarding Israel is indeed outlined in their founding charter, which called for the destruction of Israel. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel, due to its long history of attacks, including suicide bombings and rocket fire targeting Israeli civilians. The organization rejects the right of Israel to exist as a sovereign nation and opposes diplomatic efforts, often resorting to violence as a means of achieving its objectives. This position has been a significant impediment to peace efforts, as it stands in direct opposition to the principle of mutual recognition and negotiation that underpins international diplomatic approaches to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
God told the Israelites many times to finish the job. They didn’t obey often. That history is repeated in every human being. Choose peace, yet when someone wants to exterminate you,they should be removed before they do as they plan 🤷
God told the Israelites many times to finish the job. They didn’t obey often. That history is repeated in every human being. Choose peace, yet when someone wants to exterminate you,they should be removed before they do as they plan 🤷