The Impact of Denying Jewish Presence in Israel
One of the Barriers to Peace in the Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue
In the intricate tapestry of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, historical narratives hold significant sway. Among these, the enduring presence of Jews in the land now known as Israel, dating back to the times of King David, stands as a documented fact, supported by extensive archaeological and historical evidence (see the map below). Yet, this well-established historical presence becomes a point of contention in the ongoing conflict, where differing interpretations and acknowledgments shape the complex relationship between the land and its people.
Source: «Jerusalem: The Biography» by Simon Sebag Montefiore
This divergence in historical acknowledgment was starkly highlighted in a recent project by "The Ask Project," where Palestinians across various West Bank locations were asked, "How do you explain Jewish archeological sites?" The uniformity of the responses – denying any Jewish historical ties to the land before 1948 – paints a revealing picture of the deep-seated historical narratives that contribute to the conflict. Tragically, these entrenched perspectives have played a part in escalating tensions, as seen in the recent Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted on October 7th, 2023 – a somber reminder of the profound impact that differing views of history can have on present-day realities.
In light of the recent, deeply tragic events, it is with a profound sense of respect and a call for understanding that we present the following resource from 'The Ask Project', features interviews with Palestinian individuals. While these views starkly contrast with the established historical evidence of Jewish presence in Israel, they are shared here in hope of a dialog with at least some Palestinian people.
Key Historical Points: Kingdom of David from the Beginning to 1948
~1000 BC: Kingdom of David
Establishment of the United Monarchy under David. Jerusalem becomes the capital.
~950 BC: Kingdom of Solomon
Reign of Solomon, David's son. Construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
~900 BC: Division of the Monarchy
After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom).
~850 BC: Period of the Prophets
Rise of prophetic figures in both kingdoms, warning against idolatry and injustice.
~800 BC: Assyrian Expansion
The Assyrian Empire begins to exert influence over the region.
~750 BC: Fall of Israel
- The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire.
~700 BC: Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
- The Southern Kingdom of Judah survives the Assyrian siege under King Hezekiah.
~650 BC: Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
- Power shifts to the Neo-Babylonians, challenging Assyrian dominance.
~600 BC: Destruction of the First Temple
In 586 BC, the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to the
Babylonian Exile.
~550 BC: Persian Rule
Persians conquer Babylon. Jews are allowed to return and rebuild the Temple
(Second Temple) around 516 BCE.
~500 BC: Greek Influence
The rise of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great begins to influence the
region.
~450 BC: Under Persian Rule
The region remains under Persian control, with a strong Jewish presence.
~400 BC: Hellenistic Period
After Alexander's death, the region falls under the control of the Hellenistic
Seleucid Empire.
~350 BC: Jewish Autonomy under the Hasmoneans
The Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BCE) leads to a period of Jewish autonomy under
the Hasmonean dynasty.
~300 BC: Roman Conquest
Roman influence grows; in 63 BCE, the region becomes part of the Roman Republic.
~250 BC: Herodian Kingdom
Herod the Great rules as a Roman client king, renovates the Second Temple.
~200 CE (Common Era): Roman Empire and Jewish Revolts
Jewish revolts against Roman rule; notable are the Great Revolt (66-73 CE) and Bar
Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE).
~250 CE: Byzantine Period
The region becomes part of the Byzantine Empire as Christianity spreads.
~300 CE: Arab Conquest
Arab Muslim forces conquer the region in the 7th century, introducing Islam.
~350 CE: Early Islamic Period
The region, part of the Islamic Caliphate, sees a mix of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish
populations.
~400 CE: Crusader Period
The Crusaders establish the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1099, leading to conflict with
Muslim powers.
~450 CE: Ayyubid and Mamluk Rule
Muslim rule returns under the Ayyubids and later the Mamluks.
~500 CE: Ottoman Empire
The region falls under Ottoman rule in the early 16th century.
~550 CE: Late Ottoman Period
The 19th century sees growing European interest in the region, along with the rise of
Zionism.
~600 CE: British Mandate
Post-World War I, the region comes under British mandate, setting the stage for the
establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
As we can see there was no sovereign state known as "Palestine". The term "Palestine" has historically been used to refer to the geographic region only.
Conclusion
The historical facts and archaeological evidence discussed herein have always been openly accessible, including to the Palestinian individuals interviewed by 'The Ask Project.' However, the acceptance and understanding of these facts can be complex, influenced by deeply held beliefs, the context of one’s own narrative, and the perspectives promoted by political groups like Hamas.
Consider this scenario: if you were living on land you believed was rightfully yours, but others also laid claim to it, how would you approach the situation? Would you seek out facts that reinforce your stance, or would you explore information that might pave the way for peaceful coexistence with your neighbors who share a similar conviction about their rights to the same land? This question is at the heart of much of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – a struggle not just over land, but over histories, identities, and the narratives that are woven into the fabric of each community's understanding of their rightful place. It brings to mind the proverb 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink,' underscoring the challenge of encouraging open-mindedness and dialogue in the face of deep-rooted convictions and narratives.