by Ram ben Ze'ev
The Israeli-Arab conflict stands as one of the most contentious and enduring disputes in history. On the 7th of October 2023, Shabbat, during the conclusion of the seven-day-long festival of Sukkot, we, the Jewish people were tragically reminded of this upheaval.
Exactly 50 years after the start of the Yom Kippur War, Arab terrorists in Gaza launched an unprovoked attack against Israel, resulting in the loss of more than 900** innocent Israeli lives and severe injuries to over 2,500** Jewish people.
This brutal assault spared no one, including the elderly and young children and infants. Shockingly, over 150 Israelis, including small children, have been kidnapped and are now being held hostage in Gaza by these savages, and one can only imagine the depth of suffering experienced by these captives.
May Hashem extend His help to them. As we collectively empathise with their pain and distress, let us earnestly pray to Hashem for swift redemption, protection from our enemy, and the restoration of peace to the Jewish nation. Amen.
Among the various perspectives and amidst the unfounded and ill-advised enthusiasm of both internal (within Israel) and external Radical Leftists, it is crucial to take this moment to challenge the legitimacy of the term 'Palestinian people'. The idea of a distinct Palestinian identity is a recent construct, propelled by political agendas rather than representing a genuine historical and cultural entity. As Israel's military takes the necessary steps to put down this latest attack, the time has come to firmly contest this narrative.
It is simply an irrefutable fact that the English term "Palestinian" was not used before the 20th century and was constructed primarily as a political tool in the 20th century. It is true that the non-English term dates back to ancient times, when it referred to a region encompassing various peoples, including Canaanites, Hebrews, Philistines, and others. Throughout history, different empires and powers have controlled the region, resulting in demographic changes and migrations. The claim that 'Palestinians' have an exclusive Arab identity neglects the intricate tapestry of inhabitants who have resided in the land referred to as Palestine over the centuries.
Contrary to the claim that 'Palestinians' have an exclusive Arab lineage, historical evidence actually supports a significant Jewish presence in Palestine, which is now the modern state of Israel (founded in 1948). Jewish communities, both indigenous and those returning from the diaspora, have maintained a connection to the land for dozens of centuries. This Jewish connection is substantiated by archaeological findings, biblical references, and Jewish cultural traditions that date back more than three thousand years.
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Israel's cultural heritage encompasses a diverse tapestry of ethnic and religious groups. Over time, this land has witnessed the influence of various civilizations, including Persian, Greek, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and British. 'Palestinian' identity is not solely tied to Arab ethnicity but includes the cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity of the region's inhabitants, primarily the Jewish nation.
The Arab claim to an exclusive 'Palestinian' identity oversimplifies the historical complexity of the region. Acknowledging the diverse historical context, demographic shifts and cultural dynamics is crucial to fostering a more nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Arab conflict. This identity is multi-layered and encompasses a range of ethnic, religious, and cultural affiliations.
Those Radical Leftists who continue to advance the untrue narrative of the Arab terrorists, who find themselves in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, are either intentionally ignorant or actively seeking to provide support to these terrorists.
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Courtesy of TRIGGERnometry
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** Since publishing this Op/Ed, the number of innocent Israelis murdered by Arab terrorists has increased to more than 1,200 (השם יקום דמם), and over 3,400 severely injured. **
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue