Origins of the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Part I: to 1949

A brief historical overview.
For recommended reading, please visit: henryabramson.com/recommended...
Interested in studying more deeply? Join our learning community of students, researchers and colleagues by becoming a Channel Member: / @henryabramsonphd
Online Courses:
Biblical Jewish History: From Abraham to Bar Kochba
Course information and registration here: henryabramson.com/course/bibl...
A Thousand Years of Ashkenaz!
Course information and registration here: henryabramson.com/course/a-th...
The Holocaust
Course information and registration here: henryabramson.com/course/the-...

[@JesusIord]

As a Palestinian I am very happy to hear this presentation. It brings us together as human. We pray hard for people to live in peace. There is no second chance Once a person dies. I hope we all understand this concept. May God bless you always

[@ranmekler]

As an Israeli, I hope we will all be able to gather together and learn about our history and discuss our disputes without violence

[@reuterromain1054]

It is my opinion that Israel should annex the whole Westbank and give the people there full citizenship. With all duties and rights. Then it would still be a jewish-majority land and this crisis would be solved once and for all!

[@SamsonZoomBespoke]

You need a stronger voice and following. All the best dear friend

[@user-ko3rl4vw6c]

My Father in 47 was "Palastinian" by nationality -it was on his pasport-but we are Jews Jews didnt adopted this bicause the Romans calld Jews Palastinians to humiliate tham "Palash" in Hebrew means invadors-Jews calld the Greek invadors simply "Polshim" or "Plishtim"(invadors) and the Romans "used" that "against" Jews

[@Uchiha.Itachii]

i don’t get why some peaceful palestinians even want to identify as palestinian when all their “history” or their identity is built on jew hate..

[@ByRaymondFerguson]

As an African American man, I’ve been trying to to properly educate myself on this conflict as a means to understand and empathize with my Israeli and Arab brothers and sisters across our world. This is by far the most comprehensive lesson I’ve seen and did it all in between meetings. I love the internet and I truly enjoyed this lesson. Thank you professor!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you found the video useful!

[@halifaxeh]

Check out Rasheed Khalidi - the 100 years’ war on Palestine. There are videos about it and it’s a book.

[@relhage100]

This is by far not comprohensive my brother. Example: 25:45 He mentioned the Arab attack on Israel after its creation in May 1948. But zero mention of what was happening in the months prior to the creation of the state: systematic attacks on Arab populations to kill and displace as many Arabs as possible in order to secure as much land as possible for the D-day. Simply put: ethnic cleansing.

[@relhage100]

Just another pick-and-choose "historian" who aims to serve a colonial narrative.

[@HaasibFFGAMEING]

@relhage100 you should have explained a bit more. To me some suspicion arose.

[@LawrenceSelden]

The Ottoman Empire didn't just disappear after world war 1. The british created arab armies and, very significant to this discussion and this period, arab nationalism, to destroy the ottoman empire, with the hope of then having unfettered access to the suez canal and oil. The conflict cannot be understood a sone only between "israelis and palestinians." The british/french and then amarican relationship to arabs, and the world's relationship to oil (and the suez) should be a part of this historical discussion throughout.

[@enriquehidalgo630]

You also forgot promises made to Russia before the revolution took place. They would have access to the Mediterranean sea. The British and the French historically did not want Russia to have access to the Mediterranean. That was the reason for the Crimean war.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

@@enriquehidalgo630more history I need to learn about so many layers

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

I can’t keep up 🥴 so much was going on

[@user-kh8vz3is8q]

Outstanding presentation. Of course there are many components of the matter that were not touched on including British economic interests and oil which impacted events in the region. Still this is a great step forward in clearing up lots of confusion and ignorance.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@gerardcosloy6946]

Yannow, it's obvious to see for anyone that you have a vested interest in your side of history, but it is a very and truly admirable thing for an outsider to see your especially conspicuous attempt at objectivity in such a very contentious topic. Exceptionally well done sir.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for those very kind words.

[@maru4361]

Your content is not only informative, but also an excellent example of effective presentation. Thank you so very much.

[@GabbyTwoCool]

At a time when so many voices have been discussing this as black and white, I really appreciate your concern for all the peoples of the land. As always, not only your knowledge but your delivery is a comfort.

[@snoopyboobs]

Yea, almost nobody discusses this as black and white.

[@Harry_Tick]

An honest historian is a rare and precious thing. In any times. But now especially. Thank you.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank for the very kind words.

[@coreyham3753]

Agreed ...an excellent overview and summary of the key issues for that area. Very well done.

[@salimegypt6277]

The term "Palestine" first appeared in the 5th century BCE when the ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote of a "district of Syria, called Palaistinê"

[@Leokat334]

@@salimegypt6277NOT! The Emperor Hadrian renamed Israel Syria Palestina AFTER THEY SACKED JERUSALEM FOR THE LAST TIME AND MURDERED MORE JEWS!

[@benjaminbritsch1749]

but he doesnt know geography - he thinks the jordan river is on the west of Israel....

[@allisonhermann4973]

It's a lot of history to compress into a 30-minute video - masterfully done! Also, thank you for the reference - greatly appreciated.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the kind words-planning at least two more videos on this topic.

[@mc-lb9dk]

unfortunately nothing about the reasons why the British gave up the Mandate. Zionist terrorism forced them to leave.

[@omarlittle-hales8237]

Salam, Shlomo, Shalom, Peace. Look Into The Israeli Soldiers Eyes, Voice & Body Language, When He Claimed He Just Happened To Find Hamas Riffles Around The Corner, In The Hospital, He Was Lying.

[@Soesii]

As a Palestinian, I must say this was excellently explained. Subscribed :)

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you-I look forward to your comments on the next two videos.

[@alfredopampanga9356]

Imagine the naivety needed to think that a partitioned Palestine would be a viable solution Even Belgians cannot live in harmony between the French and Dutch speakers Now think of the craziest , most irrational Arabs as neighbours

[@rightclick7266]

@@alfredopampanga9356Let's take all the "moderate" Palestinians and give them a state. Name one, of the 22 Arab countries, that is a stable, peaceful democracy. There is no reason to believe Palestinians will do any better. There is every reason to believe that they will become a corrupt bunch of gangsters, led by whoever can build the strongest militia. In other words, Gaza 2.0.

[@navyrotc2012]

@@alfredopampanga9356Belgium lives pretty harmoniously tbh

[@alfredopampanga9356]

@@navyrotc2012 Not exactly. There’s talk of secession of French speakers , strife over the usual petty perceived slights

[@barneyreichman127]

Thank you once again Henry for your potted history, very informative. I realise now how little I understood of the region both present day and historically and it's thanks to people like yourself that I'm beginning to have a better understanding of the what, why's and how's in this complicated part of the World.

[@moraemepasikhani9153]

Thank you for covering this so honestly.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words of support.

[@Viewer820]

Saying that Israel is a democratic country is perhaps somewhat misrepresentative of the Leikud party currently in power which has been looking at specific policies to take control of the judicial system. It also exercises much autocratic control over the West Bank which it holds under occupation as well as Gaza which it holds under a siege.

[@martinc9215]

An excellent presentation of the basic history. It is a pity that such balance is mostly absent in modern discourse. You are a most decent human. ❤

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you found it helpful

[@uria702]

There is no “modern discourse” sadly in academics. The opinions you should have are pre-determined and any questioning of the narratives perpetuated by the far left are cancelled and shouted down.

[@Uchiha.Itachii]

these days it’s a lol about what’s woke and isn’t… the internet and tiktok has really made people fucking dumb

[@user-nx9dx8qm5y]

Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response to this video, it's clear there's a hunger for reliable information presented in a non-ideological, non-agenda-driven fashion. Thanks for providing such a great resource.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for that

[@marcdigiambattista751]

This was an extremely fair and unbiased history, and I feel it is only with this kind of honest reflection from all sides that some kind of peace can be found. You will upset some Jews and Arabs alike by telling the truth, but it is something they need to hear for the survival and future prosperity of their own children. You are doing a service to your people and all of humanity by presenting this information with honesty, integrity and respect. If all the rabbis, imams and priests of the world spoke like this, the world would be a much better place for everyone. This is why history matters, we need to know how we got where we are in order to figure out solutions to the situations we find ourselves in. I have also loved all of your videos on Jewish history, and hope you continue to put out this high quality output. Keep up the good work, and I hope the world will listen to you and learn.

[@halifaxeh]

You reminded me of when I visited the war museum in Dubrovnik and the man working there told me that they felt they did a good job curating the museum pieces because both Serbians and Croatians were upset that the other side was treated too fairly.

[@aaronedwards1802]

Very good presentation, balanced, not emotionally charged, and informative. Having studied the politics and conflicts in this region, I can verify that the information presented here is factual with no editorial bias or commentary.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you.

[@intoreality1189]

Thank you Henry for shedding some light on origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Several other important events that are rarely brought up when discussing this issue: 1. One of the last acts of the Ottoman Empire before it collapsed, was to ratify the German-Ottoman alliance in 1914. So when Germany surrendered unconditionally when WWI ended, so did the Ottoman Empire. This left it up to British and the French to partition the remains of the defunct Ottoman Empire. 2. When the Balfour Declaration was given in 1917, the British Mandate for the Jewish homeland encompassed Palestine and Trans-Jordan. So it follows, the wording re: "non-Jewish communities in Palestine" refers to Jewish Palestine and Trans-Jordan. In 1921, this was modified by Winston Churchill to Palestine being designated as a Jewish homeland and Trans-Jordan designated as an Arab homeland. 3. 1946 - Establishment of Arab state of Trans-Jordan. 4. 1948 - Eastern Palestine, Trans-Jordan, occupies the West Bank area of Western Palestine, becomes “Jordan”, ending up with over 80% of the original Palestine Mandate. 5. 1950 - Jordan annexes the West Bank. 6. 1988 - Jordan renounces their claim to the West Bank.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for your contribution

[@user-zo5uo2tq6n]

Great credit to Dr Abramson on his lecture on events leading up to the dual Naqba

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you

[@marinaberry1199]

“In all thy getting get understanding.” Thank you for broadening my vision and deepening my understanding. You are a phenomenal and engaging teacher. Thank you, thank you, thank you…Shalom🙏🏾

[@thejamaican67]

Thanks so much for this I always enjoy your lectures. As always balanced and factual you say what you know and refer on for areas that you don’t. Most importantly you leave space to think 🤔 and consider. You are a rare bird 🦅

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the kind words; I try to do precisely what you describe here.

[@davidtyler3116]

Excellent discussion. The map about Jewish refugees at the end was powerful. Who are the real refugees. Just got home form the Israel March in DC. Life changing!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@Practicalinvestments]

Bless you sir

[@mattd.3418]

An incredible video!! Presented beautifully neutral and informative. The simplifications and metaphors are much appreciated given the complexity of history of it all. There's a lack of simplified ancient Jewish history on KZbin that you're filling wonderfully!

[@lizlimon3525]

I'm so thankful for your teachings and knowledge! Thank you and bless you 🙏❤️ you have a beautiful talent and have such an indepth knowledge and a wonderful way of explaining! I absolutely am in love with your videos!! Again thank you!!

[@gkmchardy4]

Like DavdTyler3116 mentioned, the mention of the forced migration of Jews from other Arab lands was very helpful. I was unaware of this part of the story. And like others, I will confirm that this was a equitably balanced tightrope walk above a very treacherous abyss. I would have liked it just a bit more if the Naqbah had been mentioned in the 1917-1948 timeline instead of having been held until the end. I would feel comfortable in presenting this video to my own students.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you. I intend to pick up on the implications of the Nakba in the next video.

[@npgibson69]

When I was a kid visiting Egypt in the 90s, there were still a few older Jews around. These were the guys who identified themselves more as Egyptian I guess. The Jews who moved to Israel from Egypt will usually emphasize the anti Semitism, which is certainly very palpable in Egypt. The ones who chose to stay would emphasize their patriotism, service in the Egyptian military, etc. There was also a sizable group that went to France. What I heard from them was often along the lines of, why would I go to Israel, do I look like a kibbutz farmer? Anyway, the Jewish community in Egypt had a long and glorious history. I’m pretty bummed that it’s gone. I remember when I was a kid there was a German Jewish guy who said that the price of Israel was the end of the Jewish identity in Egypt, and I remember thinking who decided that this price was worth it? European Jews? Did they ask the Jews in Egypt? 🇪🇬✡️🇺🇸

[@Soesii]

I also recommend Avi Shlaim in the MiddleEastEye interview. He's an Iraqi jew from Baghdad who fled to Israel when he was 5 years old at the time. Very interesting story as well.

[@JessJoanne]

Very well put into context in such a short time. I am rewatching as I will for part ll. Then I will move on to the rest.

[@gabrielmondragon7317]

Definitely want to watch this, but it conflicts with my learning Hebrew online schedule, so archived in the watch later list. I greatly appreciate your work.

[@Oring573]

What are you using to learn hebrew. its on my list to pick it up again. But I havent' done any since I was a child.

[@CountryFriedCracka]

That is such a weird comment you spending 24 hours a day learning Hebrew ain't got an hour or two for history weird

[@gabrielmondragon7317]

@@CountryFriedCracka Ah the cringe of social media

[@CountryFriedCracka]

@@gabrielmondragon7317 I'm still trying to understand how a half hour video conflicts with your learning Hebrew schedule. Were you looking for a attaboy here you go attaboy

[@gabrielmondragon7317]

@@CountryFriedCracka Ah, I see. I'm currently in University, going for a bachelors, so my time budget is rather spoken for. I don't require an attaboy from someone who assumed but could not comprehend the possibility of this explanation, and felt I was obligated to explain my time demands to a stranger on the internet. With all due respect to Dr. Henry Abramson, as I love his work and have been a fan for years, I am a goy, so the history of the Jewish people isn't as high a priority for me as it would be if I were Jewish. I have a list of other data to consume above his content that has more practical application. His work is a luxury.

[@rodrigovm]

Thank you for this insightful and balanced presentation on the origins of the israeli-arab conflict. Your approach seemed fair and well-informed. Could you recommend any books, videos, or podcasts that delve deeper into the topics you covered?

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you-I recommend starting with Professor Kramer’s book.

[@oldschoolsaint]

You did a wonderful job of summarizing this complex issue. I've been reading the work of Benny Morris in order to gain a finer understanding of the history surrounding the conflict. From all I've been able to gather, he presents a pretty objective view of the subject. In essence, his take gives a degree of credence to the claims made by both Jews and Arabs. He does a masterful job of properly proportioning such claims, filling in the blanks of inconvenient truths excluded by both sides, and weeding out the fabrications and exaggerations that both Israelis and Arabs have crafted to buttress their stated cases. What emerges from his work is the sense that the conflict is problem without a solution. Very much looking forward to seeing the 2 videos you have planned for this series. Thank you.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the kind words. I hope the next two videos will meet your expectations!

[@Soesii]

Well said

[@austinlittke7688]

I forget what books i read years ago, but there are a number of critical, unbiased books out there that simply provide all the information without inserting any kind of opinions from the author and letting you draw your own conclusion based on it.

[@uria702]

Well, Yes. There used to be reasonable discourse surrounding the subject including multiple attempts by world leaders to legitimize a Palestinian state. The violent polarization and partisanship is a new phenomena but sadly not surprising since that’s the case with almost every topic

[@Daniel-zr9xq]

Thank you Mr Henry Abramso, for explaining and clarifying history to us all.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@winkelauditions]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. THANK YOU for your fair depiction of historical events. I’m learning so much from you and appreciate your approach.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you like them!

[@klf33]

Another really great lecture, one small correction (if I may), Arabs did not really change the demographic composition of the region in 7th century, Arabs did not have the numbers to do it, "Arabic" as a language and "Islam" as a religion was not a majority in this region until some 400 years later (and a tiny majority by then). the overwhelming majority of the Arabs now (I am included) do not descend from Arabia. aside from that small note, great lecture, I will look for that paper you mentioned, thank you for that 🙏

[@dang1351]

I appreciate your making this timely video. It helps to go over the basics, and I look forward to learning more about the two-state solution in your next video.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad it was helpful

[@harrypowell9050]

Thank you, Mr. Abramson, for your informative and calm presentation. I am an Australian agnostic, but I grew up with Jews in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I have many Jewish friends, and I will never understand antisemitism. My father and grandfather joined the war against the nazis. What they did was abhorrent! I have German friends that agree with me. Israel is the homeland of the Jews and I wish them well.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the supportive words

[@soharbennett8079]

Small annotation: the saying „from the river to the sea Palestine will be free“ goes slightly different in Arabic, solidifying all the more the true intention of the saying: „from the River to the sea Palestine will be Arab“

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

There are at least three versions of the phrase that go back to the 1980s. One of them ends "Palestine will be free," still problematic but open to a moderate interpretation. The other two are less ambiguous: من المياه للمياه / فلسطين عربية (Palestine will be Arabic) and فلسطين إسلامية (Palestine will be Muslim).

[@ninorpereira]

Very well done, thank you. One aspect you only hinted at but, IMHO, not exemplified as one basic friction point is that the early land purchases by Jews impacted the tenant farmers that had long worked that particular piece of land. If land is sold by one big landowner to another big landowner, as may have been the majority of transactions at the time, the tenants would simply continue to till the same land: they would just pay some other rich family than earlier. But, when the land was purchased by the Jews, the intent was for the Jews to till it themselves, not to have the existing tenants till it for them. Then, you have problems that you would not have if the land bought by the Jews had been owned by the land-holders themselves. Admittedly, this is one of the many details you had to skip. Still....

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Valid considerations. See Kramer for a lucid discussion.

[@8xXcoolbeansXx8]

Interestingly enough, the Jews bought a lot of swampland and desert land that hadn’t been developed into farmland. Also something to consider, the documentation and observations were that the land was mostly empty until the emigrations of Jews and Arabs. The land wasn’t known as the most abundant nor the most fertile of lands either. It is unlikely that any developed farmland was widely affordable to refugees, and given pan-Arab nationalism, it’s even more unlikely to see large fertile farmland sold to Jews at the time.

[@8xXcoolbeansXx8]

Not long ago I saw a map of areas with high malaria morbidity rates in the territory, and they almost all coincided with Jewish owned areas. As a side note, it is known that Jewish Palestinians greatly contributed to research and innovation in regards to combating malaria while they drained the swamps to develop the land.

[@abelaparicio139]

As a Mexican American man, and above All a believer in Jesus Christ and His word, I love and support Israel, that doesn't mean i don't care about the innocent victims of this conflict (iniciated by the terrorists group ham as), Yes, the so called palestinians are in my prayers, I pray that they will be free of hate and misleading of their authorities, truth is, there was Never a country called Palestine, and the mayoriry of the people are of a different origin, (arabs, turkish, Egyptian), in other words, that is Not and has Never been their Land. That land belongs historically and Biblically to the people of Israel....even the Coran, (Muslim's holy book), recomends in some parts to consult and ask.. The people (Israel), of The Book, (The old testament, in wich The Lord God and most Holy Creator gives that Land to Father Abraham and his descendants Isaac Jacob and Jacob and the twelve tribes of Israel for ever, Genesis chapters 12 through 17. That land belongs to Israel by promiss of God!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the supportive words

[@alfredobarbuti8769]

We have Nations and we have international rules in order to resolve disputes. We have traditions and believes. Anyway it is useful to remember the Story of the two children quarrelling because they desire to sit on the same chair. When children grow up they may find out that it is not the Earth that belongs to people, but the people who belongs to the Earth while in a physical body: people borrow the Earth’s molecules in order to build up their physical bodies. And if they learn to cohexist in peace, to be good neighbors, they may both live a joyful Life. That means that they have to look at each other, hear to each other, get known with each other, understand each other, respect each other, help each other. It is very important to look at facts, at history without wearing colored glass, so thank you very much for this series of lectures about palestinian-israeli conflict 🍀🕊️

[@sazenycbx]

As a Palestinian with extensive knowledge of the conflict, I will say that you were honest, eloquent, and objective as can be. I enjoy your lectures and history lessons. Thank you.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@salimegypt6277]

The term "Palestine" first appeared in the 5th century BCE when the ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote of a "district of Syria, called Palaistinê" between ...

[@albertlevert2988]

Thank you for this masterclass in history. Well documented, non emotional, and a sense of humor perceptible discreetly.

[@mattsteinle2182]

In connection with the Palestinian Nakba, the work of the Israeli "New Historians" such as Avi Shlaim, Ilan Pappe, and Benny Morris is invaluable.

[@larrylangman3544]

This is a comprehensive and even handed presentation of the matter under discussion. It is important that vehicles for understanding such as this exist. The presenter steps through the landscape occasionally pointing out the landmines....sadly it is those landmine sites that we need to focus on and hopefully defuse.....and for anyone who has dealt with 75 year old munitions......defusing is often not an option....detonation may also not be an option....what then

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You are sadly correct

[@noahshumway1091]

Thank you for providing a wide set of facts including so many primary sources.

[@lynetteseader1437]

Your insights are so worthwhile to listen to and informative Thank you

[@matthewhiesiger2032]

This is a great summary of the history, but it leaves out one detail, that I feel is essential to understanding the Arab side of the conflict. That detail is how the Arab revolt, instigated by the British, lead to the British being able to partition the Ottoman Empire in the first place. The specific details of those events are extremely important, like where a lot of those battles took place.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Many details omitted for the sake of a concise narrative.

[@matthewhiesiger2032]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD but this is a very important detail, and much more relevant that literal ancient history (which to your credit, you did address as being not relevant to the current conflict).

[@davephelps1299]

I studied this subject on my own many years ago. Everything Mr. Abramson spoke on is correct. Thank you Mr. Abramson for condensing this yet as you know there so many details that could not be addressed do to the brevity of this video. Thank you Sir. P.S. I have been actively re-studying again! If I comment / speak to anyone on the current events, I need to be educated to speak the TRUTH!

[@Cheryworld]

very well done. Open and honest as always

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you.

[@avicohen7732]

Henry, I have really been enjoying your videos! Would you be able to make a video on the Oslo accords, 2000 camp David summit, detailed Gaza disengagement, and the 2008 realignment offer? I know a lot of the basics, but am lacking in detail, and a video would be great.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Working on that right now

[@Theodorebenevolent]

8:54 this metaphor doesn’t really work so well, as your granddaughter was distracted, but Jews did not choose to leave. We were violently expelled, enslaved, colonized, and had a genocide perpetrated against us. Anyway, I’m going to continue listening because I’m enjoying it other than that. Thank you, Dr. Abramson.

[@honoraryamerica5943]

I always enjoy your history presentations. I look forward to Part II.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Many thanks

[@jenniferannegollop5323]

Thank you for explaining it so well! Always well founded!! ❤❤

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad it was helpful

[@davorkamatic1349]

I have high respect for Prof. Abramson, but there are some problems with his explanation. First, it is true that Romans named the territory that once was called Israel and/ or Judea, probably to eradicate the memory of Israel, but they did not invent the term out of nowhere. There was an ancient nation of Philistines, mentioned in Bible too, who lived on south coast of Canaan from cca 1200 BC until 604 BC when their polity was destroyed by Neo-Babilonian Emoire . The core territoriy of ancient Philistine were five cities - Gaza, Ekron, Gath, Ashdot and Ashkelon. Second, in 1948 Palestinians did not just choose to live due to the fear but were also actively expelled by Haganag and Jewish terrorist groups such as Irgun and Stern group/Lehi. Today, there is lot of written evidence that expulsion of Palestinians was a planned, nut just accidental. New historian like Pappe and Morris wrote extensively about it.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you. Yes, the Romans chose the term ironically--what better than naming the territory after the Jews' biblical enemies? And I tried to include the discussion of expulsions through the reference to atrocities (and the rumor of atrocities). More on that in the next video.

[@deborahspier2271]

The Philistines were a Grecian group from Crete who disappeared after they were assimilated by the Neo- Babylonians. They weren't Arabs. Their ancient territory only contained a fraction of what became the area called "Palestine". There is plenty of conflicting evidence of what caused the Palestinian exodus, so none of it is definitive or provable. At around the same time, 800,000 Jews were expelled from the Arab lands with nowhere to go but Israel, so one can argue that it was a wash.

[@rajanalexander4949]

Cogent, concise, balanced; thank you!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Much appreciated

[@Nancy_S68]

I appreciate your laser focus on the conflict you covered in this video. Although there were/are conflicting interests by greater world powers, your succinct description helps me understand the background of the conflict. The other world interests can be added as layers of motives that continue to be part of the political situation.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you found it useful

[@bengore1989]

Glad you finally addressed the pressing issue of the day. If you stray into discussion of claims though, then the Jewish side should also be presented. Other than “starvation” analogy didn’t hear other considerations. Dr Abramson, we trust your general impartiality and need your help in figuring this out. Please do a series of longer episodes to go into all this in greater detail

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

More planned.

[@davidcreuze6856]

Great video, thank you so much. I'm wondering if there are any good books (in English, French or German) about the first zionist settlements in the 19th century. I'm extremely interested in the subject because my great great great grandfather migrated to Palestine in 1848 and settled in an Arab village near Bethlehem and worked in Jerusalem. He was an Alsatian Christian millenarist/mystic who helped the German Templers settle in later. I'm wondering if these German speaking populations had any links with the early zionists.

[@manny91776]

What a great explanation of the early history of Israel. Thank you Mr Abramson for your video and willingness to educate others

[@g4merpro_13]

Thank you very much for the lecture. Very interesting! Your subtle humor makes it even more fascinating.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you found it useful

[@robertdean1579]

Thank you, Rabbi. I enjoy your teachings. Shalom.

[@Long-Ball-Larry]

Dr. Abramson is not a Rabbi, he's a Historian.

[@robertdean1579]

@@Long-Ball-Larry The definition of a rabbi is "a Jewish scholar or teacher, especially one who studies or teaches Jewish law." I would say he qualifies.

[@Long-Ball-Larry]

@@robertdean1579 I get your point, even though I'd say being ordained is an important part of being a Rabbi as well, at least traditionally. However he doesn't teach "Jewish law" (Halacha), meaning he's not a religious teacher - he teaches Jewish history in an academic framework, not a religious one. More importantly Dr. Abramson points out in several of his videos that he''s NOT a Rabbi - assuming he doesn't want to be called a Rabbi for the simple reason it's not appropriate. He has an academic title though - so why not use that?

[@robertdean1579]

@@Long-Ball-Larry Point taken. I've only seen two of his videos so far.

[@xt3708]

To anyone new to Dr. Abramson’s videos, he is an unmatched wealth of history. Dr has himself said on previous videos that he does not consider himself a rabbi, and does as a historian. If you believe that anyone with a black kipah and a white beard, suit and tie is a rabbi, take this as a note, that’s a false assumption

[@Frodojack]

Excellent video, as always. Just a few points to add: (1) The word "Palestine" originates in the word "Philistine." These are the same Philistines who fought against Samson and David. They were one of the "Sea Peoples" who attempted to invade Egypt and invaded and settled in the Gaza strip around 1150 BCE, around 70 to 100 years after the Exodus led by Moses (Moshe). The Philistines may have come from the island of Crete and so were probably Greek. They did not have a single kingdom, but a confederacy of city-states (Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron) known as Philistia. Philistia was wiped out by successive invasions by Assyrians, Neo-Babylonians and Persians. (2) The region of Israel was called "Palestine" or "Palaestina" as early as around 500 BCE by the Greek historian Herodotus, and after his the Greeks and Romans followed him in that usage. (3) After the Jewish loss at the Bar Kochba revolt around 135 CE, the Romans renamed the region Syria-Palaestina. From 395 to around 636 when it was under Byzantine control the region was divided into the provinces of Palaestina Prima and Palaestina Secunda, then after the Muslim conquests it became the military district of Jund Filistin. This lasted until the crusaders conquered Jerusalem and the region was made the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which lasted until 1291. The territory was slowly conquered by the Ayyubid and Mamluk sultanates out of Egypt, then the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Under the Ottomans it became the Sanjak of Jerusalem, which was subject to the Eyalet of Damascus. In 1872 it became an independent province called the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem, and lasted until the British victory over the Ottomans in 1917. However, even while under Ottoman control, the region was still referred to as Palestine in Medieval and Renaissance period maps. (3) So historically, if there was every a nation or country called Palestine, it was Philistia, the Philistine confederation that only existed in the Gaza strip. Although modern Palestinian Arabs (who are actually a mix of Arabs, Egyptians, Turks, Syrians, Iraqis, Yemenites and Bosnians) have no genetic relationship to the ancient Philistines, some of them claim that they are the same as the Philistines and have a right to the land by that ancient heritage - which would mean their only claim would be to the Gaza strip.

[@davehughes8212]

My mother, born in Palestine in 1925, told me much the same about this period, when I asked her about the war in 1967. Very clear and truthful presentation. Thanks

[@stevie586]

Absolutely adorable man, and very fair & “matter of fact” about it all. No need for extreme bias…just state the facts and provide context from all sides, then hope others use that information wisely. I knew most of this, but seeking resources to help educate the rest of the ignorant world. Thank you very much!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@stevie586]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD thank you for the amazing content; your words will help this world far more than you may believe.

[@Bobbychildree]

The 2007 movie, Six Days in June, is a great movie. I also highly recommend the book, O Jerusalem, by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. There is another great movie called Cast A Giant Shadow, about 1948. Anyone interested in the history of modern Israel should find these three resources excellent.

[@hannahbearr1]

Thank you for your videos. They are greatly appreciated.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I’m glad you appreciate them. This one was especially difficult.

[@1HuntingShark]

Excellent video. Appreciate the detailed explanation you gave. Where might I be able to find a copy of the peel commission online? It will be a useful primary source to analyse for an assignment

[@flimsyjimnz]

Just Google, or type into your browser searchbox: Read the Peel Commission

[@goldencalf5144]

Great summary that's easily digestible for the average person. Thanks

[@lanerussell7958]

I've always held the two-state solution to be an impossible fantasy.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I hope to discuss it in greater detail in the next video.

[@lanerussell7958]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD I'm very much looking forward to that. I'm grateful that you make your knowledge of Jewish history available on KZbin; your online content has pretty much revolutionized my understanding of the Bible.

[@omarlittle-hales8237]

Salam, Shlomo, Shalom, Peace. Look Into The Israeli Soldiers Eyes, Voice & Body Language, When He Claimed He Just Happened To Find Hamas Riffles Around The Corner, In The Hospital, He Was Lying.

[@carefir]

I cannot praise this video enough for its comprehensiveness. Everyone protestor on every campus, every street, every city, needs to watch this.

[@rortlieb]

Thank you Dr. Abramson. I’ve been a follower for sometime, since Covid, and have always found your lectures informative. Not Jewish, but very moved by the Jewish story.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you very much. Glad to have you with us!

[@ImamFai]

​@@HenryAbramsonPhD An honest thank you for walking through this without biases and judgements. I have an enquiry into your point of view regarding following: 9:32 I agree that we muslims do not accept torah or bible fully, but only those parts which corroborate with Quran. Muslims believe in Moses (as) as much as Jews and Christians do. And then Islam goes on to further follow the next orders of Abrahamic faith. So doesn't the 'sons of Judea' become applicable to both Christians and Muslims in eqaul right. How do Jews (and Zionists) see this point? And has history ever considered this argument?

[@stevenpinsker2189]

This was a great presentation and it was remarkably done in 30 minutes. Based on a few negative comments that came out of left field with their narrow minded history, in which it was turned into a political history. I do admire your professional replies.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you. Sometimes I just ignore the silly comments.

[@whydoIneedone846]

Incredible. You are a gem

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Well, thank you!

[@anniepeatross1306]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD you really are great.

[@cockatielnation5425]

Excellent synopsis. I am trying to learn about the history of Israel and of the Jewish people and this is a great start.

[@uria702]

This shouldn’t be a start! The Jewish people have been living on the land for thousands of years. The archaeological and scientific evidence is undeniable.

[@CountryFriedCracka]

​@@uria702so have the indigenous Palestinians in fact even longer than Israel and his family that were in Egypt for 400 years in fact Judaism was created at Mount Sinai in Egypt Jews held the land for short periods at a time and continuously got ran out as I'm sure it's going to happen again because of the refusal to live by international norms

[@CountryFriedCracka]

​@@uria702just like there are many different native American tribes not One tribe gets preference over another or has rightful claim

[@uria702]

@@CountryFriedCracka that’s delusional. Israel has the second largest stock of nuclear weapons in the world and the most technologically advanced military in the world and conscripted service for all men and woman which gives them millions of soldiers at their disposal. You think they’re gonna lay down arms and give up? Their biggest ally has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons and is the most powerful military in the world and just voted 421-1 to continue supporting their war efforts. To actually believe Palestinians stand any chance to go to war with Israel and the U.S. and win is insanity. It’s an even stupider claim than the claim native Americans will take up arms and overthrow the U.S. government. It’s a decree of certain death on the Palestinian people to have echo chambers of Islamic extremism triumphing over western militaries.

[@CountryFriedCracka]

@@uria702 what the f*** are you talking about. First of all Israel only has approximately 5 million citizens 20% are Arab. Second Russia has the most nuclear and the most advanced nuclear technology then the United States Israel don't even admit to having nuclear weapons.

[@mathiasjonsson8222]

That was a very good presentation. I would like to add the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928 and their ties to Nazi Germany as a major factor for how the conflict developed. I will now watch part two.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Hope you find part 2 useful

[@martinnelson953]

THis comprehensive account of the history of the region explains why it is so difficult to achieve a fair and equable settlement but with good will on both sides it should not be impossible - May that eventually prevail

[@a.d.penedo7263]

Thank you for this Dr. Abramson. However, from the Jewish perspective, more historical context is critical. And I recommend your other invaluable lectures on Jewish history to provide that perspective. After 2000 years of the Jewish diaspora, being eventually persecuted everywhere they went, there had just been a systematic attempt to exterminate them off the face of the earth which reduced their world population from 12 million to a mere 6 million. They obviously couldn't remain in the very countries that had carried this out. North America would only accept so many, there weren't a lot of options. It was literally an existential crisis. I am well aware that the Arab perspective is completely different and equally valid, but they were hardly face to face with a near-successful attempt to completely annihilate their entire people off the face of the earth with nowhere to go. That hardly excuses any awful thing the Jews might do afterwards, and I treasure your objectivity in that regard, but context is critical here. Looking forward to your next lectures.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

A very valuable observation.

[@GenXstacker]

This is pretty good. I think you hit the nail on the head discussing the Balfour declaration when you said that giving the Jews a homeland in Palestine while respecting the wishes of the Muslim population was going to be impossible. While I think both Jews and the Christian powers that enabled them had the best of intentions and thought they were fulfilling scriptural prophecies, in retrospect it seems they were at best naive and at worst arrogant in ignoring the obvious signs this would never go over well with the Muslims who had been living there for well over a millennia. As they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and unfortunately everyone living in the region today is suffering the consequences.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you found the video useful

[@michaelpetzold849]

Thankyou for such an excellent review of the history and nature of the conflict, which reveals its human tragedy - and recognition of such by both sides may be a path toward a solution.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words

[@sahabahmed5597]

I appreciate the academic manner in which you presented the topic, would like you to make a detailed video on this topic, and include all the views and counter views included in it.

[@truesay786]

42: Thanks Henry outstanding…To complicate matters …I’ve heard that the European Ashkenazi’s didn’t quite integrate the Arab Jews/ Black Jews. I saw a NY times article on forced sterilisation of Ethiopian Jewish women. Is there an internal cultural dynamic?. Could you explain theological reasons why a two state solution would go against the very right wing Rabbis now in Coalition and their greater Israel aspirations and the rebuilding of the Temple. A video about the differences within Judaism about the above particularly from an eschatological messianic perspective? This would be truly fascinating and educational.

[@austinlittke7688]

yes i just made a comment stating this same thing. The ashkenazi jews oppressed and threatened the native jews(didnt matter of they were white or dark skinned), and made them break contact with all their muslim friends and oppress them and refuse help to them. Much of the land that was bought "legally" was bought legally in much the same way that the maui lahaina land is going to be bought "legally"...which is to say by very nefarious means

[@bazbuco]

the right-wing religious Zionist government ministers are basically going to be kicked out by the end of the war because of the role they played in starting it, the expansion of settlements, etc. they do represent a small section of Israeli society but understand that they do not represent the views of most Israelis, they simply played their parliamentary cards right and forced a secular right winger, Netanyahu, to give them power in order for him to stay in power. religious zionists would be against a two state, just like hamas, but even Right-wing Likud could be pushed into a two-state solution under the right conditions.

[@HebrewsvJohnv]

Firstly... Palestinians have a right to live in that land without oppression, Exodus 22 v 21 and Leviticus ch 19 v 33-34, but Islamic Fundamentalist ideology and Jihadism and Arab Anti-semiticism are also reasons which have historically made groups attack. Jews were subjected to being inferior as dhimmis, Muhammad, the founder of Islam said the following: "The Day of Judgement will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews , when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say O Muslims, O Abdullah, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him. Among the lies being spread is an effort to undermine Israel’s legitimacy by accusing it of being a settler-colonial state. Those spreading this lie argue that Jews have no historical connection to the land of Israel and that Zionists - those who support the right of Jewish self-determination and national homeland in the land of Israel - came to colonize the land, taking it from the Palestinians beginning in the late nineteenth century. However, this claim ignores the thousands of years of deep connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The Lord promised a regathering of the nation of Israel, after diaspora judgement and the city of Jerusalem as he had sworn it unto Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel), Jeremiah 31 v 38-40, Amos ch 9 v 11-15, Genesis 35 v 12, Exodus 32 v 13, Deuteronomy 1 v 8, Deuteronomy 30 v 1-5 and Joshua 21 v 43. Luke 21 v 24 says: 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations. Well guess what? Israel as a nation is no longer under Roman or Muslim control. Timeline of Israel and Jerusalem from the 7th Century to 1948: Romans, Byzantines, Persians, Caliph Omar, Umayyads, Abbasids, Saladin, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans and British have all laid claim over Israel and historic record of massacres and pogroms for all Jews without a homeland, including the Holocaust worldwide up until 1948 and still continuing, including October 7th 2023.. Diaspora Jews yearned to return to the Jewish homeland and the holy Jewish city of Jerusalem, both of which are mentioned multiple times in daily Jewish prayers. Traditional Jewish religious thought stated that the Jews had been exiled from their homeland as a punishment from God. They could only return in Messianic times. This belief kept most Jews from thinking about a return to living in Israel. But, in the nineteenth century, as European Jews suffered from growing antisemitism and violence against them, a new ideology was born - Zionism, a national liberation movement of the Jewish people. Zionists saw a return to the Jewish homeland as the path to Jewish redemption from thousands of years of oppression. Small groups of Zionist pioneers began returning to their ancient homeland in the late nineteenth century, joining the community of Jews who had never left. Jews consist of much diversity aside from European Jews or Russians and Ukranians: "Thus, among such Mizrahim there are Iranian Jews, Iraqi Jews, Egyptian Jews, Sudanese Jews, Tunisian Jews, Algerian Jews, Moroccan Jews, Lebanese Jews, Libyan Jews, Syrian Jews, and various others. Other Asian groups that evolved separately from Sephardim include the Georgian and Mountain Jews from the Caucasus, Indian Jews including the Malabar Yehuddim (Cochin Jews), Bene Israel, Bnei Menashe and Bene Ephraim, the Afghan Jews and Bukharan Jews of Central Asia, and Chinese Jews, most notably the Kaifeng Jews. Palestinian forces, though not all people, having largely Islamically inspired have been involved in the 1947-1948 Civil War against Israel (which they lost) which picked up in aggression in January 1948, after the U.N. Resolution for a partition of the Land of Israel. They were also involved in The 1948 Israel-Arab war, when 5 Arab nations which attacked the newly formed Israel after its statehood Declaration lost the war. The PLO were founded prior to the 1967 Six Day War and they openly engaged in acts of violence against Israeli civilians, both within Israel and outside of Israel. The PLO formally came into being during a 1964 meeting of the first Palestinian Congress. Shortly thereafter, the group began to splinter into various factions. Ultimately, the largest faction, Fatah, would come to dominate the organization, and its leader, Yasser Arafat, would become the PLO chairman and most visible symbol. All the groups adhered to a set of principles laid out in the Palestine National Charter, which called for Israel’s destruction. The PLO’s belligerent rhetoric was matched by deeds. Terrorist attacks by the group grew more frequent. In 1965, 35 raids were conducted against Israel. In 1966, the number increased to 41. In just the first four months of 1967, 37 attacks were launched. The targets were always civilians. Most of the attacks involved Palestinian guerillas infiltrating Israel from Jordan, the Gaza Strip, and Lebanon. The orders and logistical support for the attacks were coming, however, from Cairo and Damascus.. 1973 Yom Kippur War: The war began on 6 October 1973, when the Arab coalition (led by Egypt and Syria) jointly launched a surprise attack against Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, which had occurred during the 10th day of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The October 7th 2023 Al Asqa Flood Attack comes roughly 50 years and a day after the 1973 war. Why would this all matter? Jesus is now the new High Priest for Jew and Gentile but man and Satan would still want to nullify God's promises and covenants to Jews and salvation for them, one tactic being to keep them constantly hostile, at war and unforgiving, Jesus says unless you forgive you cannot be forgiven, Matthew 6 v 14-15. Secondly, if nuclear war were to break out and destroy every human on the planet virtually, then future Prophecies regarding Israel, such as the Millennial Reign or Jesus coming to defend Jerusalem, Joel chapter 3, Zechariah 12 and Zechariah 14 might be rendered invalid

[@jenA9026]

Thank you for this calm, factual presentation.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You're very welcome

[@vblake530530]

I am soooo glad to hear your perspective on this. Thank you, before I even listen to it.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You are so welcome!

[@dewittcheng4009]

Excellent summary. Thank you!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you for the kind words

[@alfredobarbuti8769]

We have Nations and we have international rules in order to resolve disputes. We have traditions and believes. Anyway it is useful to remember the Story of the two children quarrelling because they desire to sit on the same chair. When children grow up they may find out that it is not the Earth that belongs to people, but the people who belongs to the Earth while in a physical body: people borrow the Earth’s molecules in order to build up their physical bodies. And if they learn to cohexist in peace, to be good neighbors, they may both live a joyful Life. That means that they have to look at each other, hear to each other, get known with each other, understand each other, respect each other, help each other. It is very important to look at facts, at history without wearing colored glass, so thank you very much for this series of lectures about palestinian-israeli conflict 🍀🕊️

[@Celia-qe7cn]

Thank you for this objective and fair lesson in the history of this region🙏

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you found it helpful

[@jessicahijarunguru4117]

Here to learn as always, once again thank you

[@zakiabdelgayed771]

Excellent summary, factual and objective

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you

[@hxhxhx91]

Very good summary honestly

[@SPV66]

Hi Dr. Abramson between 6:50 and 6:58 slight mix-up with the directions. Jordan River is to the east and the Mediterranean is to the west. It was stated in reverse between 6:50 and 6:58.

[@fcsnetto]

Tks a lot! Super clear and illuminating!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You're welcome

[@derekpmoore]

Equanimity and dispassion are laudable traits!

[@jerryleejohnsonjr1377]

A rare voice of calm reasoning, Thank you for the overview of this very complicated and convoluted mess.

[@chrislambert9435]

The present Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the greatest single mistake of the Palestinian Arab delegates was to refuse the offer of an independent State which was offered to them in 1947 by the UN, this newly formed State would have been in areas of old Palestine that are now referred to as the disputed territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip In the Camp David agreements (in the 1970s)held in the USA, Israel offered the Palestinians a State in these disputed territories. Again in the Oslo accords (in around 1993) the Palestinians were offered an independent state in the disputed territories. Many times over the Israeli Government has offered the Palestinian representatives an Independent State

[@mottybklyn]

In your example from the kids fighting over a chair, a more accurate analogy would have been if the older kid - whose name is on the chair - says let's share the chair, while the younger kid says NO want it all for myself

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I understand

[@nothingnewundertheSun-is3sy]

Excellent presentation. It's hard to image anyone would think that peace is possible. This will obviously have an impact on the world stage, the last thing we needed.

[@sureshabreu3171]

Thanks so much brother Henry Abramson that adds so much light to the discourse…..we hope it can be resolved in love and peace….

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Amen

[@sureshabreu3171]

Over the years I have heard some of your lectures and the strength of your demeanor and scholarship has been a rich and gracious blessing to me…..

[@teresastrach5927]

Peace health and Sharing to a better life than death. Will have to hear it all over again to get a better understanding. Thanks for your time and dedication.

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank uou

[@ayrsine]

Can you allow for transcripts so we can read along?

[@uria702]

Thank you for uploading this compelling topic

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

You are welcome-part 2 coming soon

[@uria702]

@@HenryAbramsonPhD looking forward to it!

[@jaydurych]

Excellent overview. Thank you!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad it was helpful

[@KenCunkle]

Wonderfully informative and blessedly even-handed video. Thanks much!

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Thank you. Parts two and three coming.

[@imfz4444]

You deserve praise and thanks for your efforts...Ibrahim, Jordan, Amman

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

I appreciate your kind words.

[@ericponce8740]

Dr. Abramson, thank you for this excellent video. Educational to say the least.