In November 1947 the United Nations decided on partition of Palestine into a Jewish state, an Arab state, and a UN-administered Jerusalem. Partition was accepted by Zionist leaders but rejected by Arab leaders leading to the 1947-1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine. Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948 and neighboring Arab states attacked the next day. Since then, Israel has fought a series of wars with neighboring Arab states,and in consequence, Israel controls territories beyond those delineated in the 1949 Armistice Agreements. Some international borders remain in dispute, however Israel has signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, though efforts to resolve conflict with the Palestinians have so far only met with limited success.

Many people are unwilling to express an opinion on Arab-Israeli issues because the political atmosphere is so charged with animosity. The decades-long conflict has the nature of ancient tribal hatred and vendetta. And it seems that nothing will ever solve the problem except a willingness by all parties to let go of this tribal hatred for a greater good.
But there's also the peculiar nature of the debate as it manifests in the United States. One might more accurately say "lack of debate," because in mainstream American politics there is a general taboo against criticizing the government of Israel, this is due to the vast amount of money received given to the Government by Israelie lobby groups such as AIPAC. Lobbying is a very dirty and sleazy side to politics.

There is also a lot of false assumptions, many people don't realise that Judaism and political Zionism are two different things. Many Jews are actually against the state of Israel and are actually ashamed of the manner in which the Israelis are treating the Palestinians, especially after the horrors of the Holocaust. Whether people like it or not, Israel is pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians, they are slowly wiping away all traces of the Palestinians; they have already replaced the names of many cities, towns and villages. It is a very sad situation because Palestinian Jews, Christians and Muslims happily lived together for centuries because they share a lot of common ground and actually consider themselves to originate from a common family lineage, Adam and Eve.

There are several reasons why a lot of Jews are actually against the state of Israel,

• Firstly many Jews believe that allegiance should only be directly to God, and not to a state or even a flag.
• Secondly they acknowledge the fact that they were banished from the Holy Land by God, and were thus ordered to live within other societies.
• Thirdly by returning to the Holy Land in such a manner, without the direct permission of God, many Jews believe that this sacred covenant with God has been broken.
• Forthly Jews appreciate that Abraham had a child with Hagar, this child was Ishmael and from him came the Arabs, this they are family with the Jews.
• Fifthly the creation of Israel is a direct violation of the Commandments given by God to Moses, No.6 Thous shall not Murder and No.8 Thous shall not Steal .. Israel was created by Murdering many Palestinians and Stealing their Land .. this Israel is a grave sin and violation of Gods Divine Law.

RUSSIA TODAY - “The most harmful place for Jews is in Israel”

Published 03 September, 2009, 17:47

Edited 08 September, 2009, 16:15

A group of Jews have gathered in downtown New York City to protest against Israel's alleged attempts to oppress Torah followers. They accuse the government of brutally attacking anti-Zionists living in Israel.

Crammed behind barricades in Manhattan, hundreds demonstrated across the street from the Israeli embassy.

“The most harmful place for Jews is in Israel,” the protesters claim.

Despite the unanimous objections by all the Arab states, Israel was created and is now established. The irony is that this was probably the only time the Arab nations have actually agreed on something, but now rather than isolation it would perhaps be best to engage in dialogue and work towards a meaningful and lasting peace with Israel. So far only Egypt and Jordan have signed peace agreements with Israel. But it is a two-way thing, the Palestinians have clearly already given a lot, and many believe that it is about time that Israel started giving as well.

In its part there are several things which Israel must do, in order for there to be any hope of a lasting peace settlement.

• Firstly, Israel has to stop and reverse the illegal settlements which cover the West Bank, in fact currently Israel controls over 83% of the West Bank.
• Secondly, Israel must return the Golan Heights back to Syria, and withdraw back to the 1967 borders. Some would rightly argue, even back to the 1948 borders.
• Thirdly, the apartheid barrier and land grab exercise around Jerusalem and the West Bank must also stop and be reversed.
• Fourthly, compensation in the form of ‘right to return' or financial should be given to all of the Palestinians who are currently living in refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
• Fifthly, Israel must appreciate that Jerusalem and especially Masjid Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock are here to stay, therefore they must respect that fact and not attempt to seize and reshape Jerusalem, as that will only lead to a lot of suffering to all parties.

Only then can a lasting long-term peace be achieved. Otherwise sadly is clear that more wars will occur, even now tensions are simmering and the slightest spark could ignite a mass uprising in the Middle East.

The Holy Land is plentiful and there is more than enough land for the Jews, Christians and Muslims to live together happily. The irony is that surely it is better to live in Peace on this Holy Land, rather than persue a nationalistic land grab exercise. Our existence here is temporary, so surely it is better to focus on prayer rather than focusing on defence and fighting, all which take up a lot of time and energy, which could be spent towards devouting ones self to doing good deeds, helping others and praying.