Historical Context and Myths Debunked: Why Germany Did Not Give Palestine to Israel
It is a common misconception that Germany should have given Palestine to Israel after World War II. This belief is rooted in several historical facts that often go unaccounted for. Let's explore why this idea is far from accurate.
Founding of Tel Aviv and Other Early Developments
For starters, Tel Aviv, one of Israel's most prominent cities, was established in 1909, over three decades before World War II. This city, as well as other early Jewish settlements in the region, were founded by Jews who purchased land from local Arab landowners and British mandatory authorities. The establishment of the Technion University in Haifa in 1913 is another significant event, marking the beginning of a well-established Jewish presence in the region.
The motivations behind the establishment of these early communities were rooted in a deep yearning for a homeland among Jews worldwide. Although the region was under Ottoman rule at the time, the unity of Jewish immigrants under the banner of Zionism allowed them to make significant progress in establishing their roots in this land, which they considered their ancestral homeland.
Resistance and Persecution
The idea that Jews would have preferred to live among Germans who dehumanized and attempted to exterminate them is absurd. Post-war, the world was left with a scarred collective memory. Jews were not willing to live among those who had tried to destroy them, and much of the world, particularly their non-European neighbors, did not support such a move.
It was also critical that the geopolitical landscape did not support such a move. The United States and the Soviet Union would not have allowed it, fearing the imbalance of power that would result. The Soviet Union, in particular, would have quickly taken control of the territory if the Axis powers had surrendered with Jewish communities in their midst.
The Roots of Zionism
The movement for the Jewish diaspora to return to their homeland began much earlier than the rise of the Nazis. This desire was rooted in a long history of pogroms, persecution, and the general sentiment among Jews that their true home lay in their ancestral lands. For almost 2000 years, Jews had been warned, often by both Christian and Muslim rulers, to return to their homeland.
In the 19th century, Zionism gained traction, driven by the desire to reclaim a place that had been consistently pointed to in religious texts and liturgy as the homeland of the Jews. By the time World War II ended, Jews had been buying land, starting businesses, and establishing civic institutions both legally and covertly. This shift from a diaspora to a homeland was not a sudden decision but a result of centuries of yearning and persecution.
Conclusion
The idea that Germany should have given Palestine to Israel after World War II is not only misguided but also overlooks significant historical and geopolitical factors. The Jewish presence in the region predates the war, and the desire to return to their ancestral homeland was a deeply ingrained desire among Jews worldwide. Germany and other European nations were not in a position to dictate the future of the region, especially with the balance of power shifting rapidly in the post-war world.
Understanding the true historical context is crucial in dispelling myths and fostering a more accurate understanding of the complex history of the Middle East.