The Legitimacy of Israel: A Historical Perspective

The Jewish Diaspora and Holocaust:
The notion that the brutalities meted out to Jews by the Nazis justified the establishment of Israel is widely held. The horrors of the Holocaust provided a compelling narrative for the creation of a safe haven for the Jewish people.

The Arab Dilemma:
Yet, it’s essential to question why the Arabs bore the brunt for the Europeans’ crimes. The establishment of Israel led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who were subject to numerous atrocities.

Returning to the ‘Homeland’:
The idea that Jews longed to return to Palestine, their ancient homeland, is perplexing to some. Drawing a parallel, I, as a Kashmiri with ancestors who left the region 200 years ago, find no connection with modern-day Kashmir. Similarly, the Jewish diaspora spread over 2000 years, saw many Jews settling in Europe, becoming an integral part of its fabric. Their sudden urge to return to the Biblical land raises questions.

The Role of Oil:
Delving deeper into geopolitics, the discovery of vast oil reserves in the Middle East during the 20th century added a new dimension. The West’s industrial growth hinged on this oil. Thus, establishing Israel, a Western military garrison, ensured control over this crucial resource. Backed by Western weapon supplies, Israel became a unique blend of civilian and military might.

A Vision for Peace:
So, where do we go from here? A potential resolution lies in forming a secular, unified Palestine, encompassing Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights. This would be a state where Jews, Arabs, Christians, and others coexist in harmony. However, the path to this solution remains challenging and fraught with complexities.