"Only the Jews can protect other Jews." Through the lens of historical accounts and scholarly insights from Bat Ye'or and Bernard Lewis, we uncover the compelling reasons behind the birth of the Jewish state—an existential imperative rooted in the harsh lessons of history.
By Dr. Tim Orr
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Imagine living through centuries of relentless persecution—your people driven from their homes, your culture besieged, and your existence threatened at every turn. This was the harsh reality for Jews across Europe and the Arab world. Their story is one of enduring resilience in the face of systemic oppression, a story that ultimately demanded a sanctuary where they could ensure their survival. The establishment of Israel wasn't just a political act; it was a profound necessity born from the brutal realization that, in a world rife with anti-Semitism, only Jews could truly protect Jews. Douglas Murray's poignant statement during the Monk Debates captures this historical truth: "Only the Jews can protect other Jews." Through the lens of historical accounts and scholarly insights from Bat Ye'or and Bernard Lewis, we uncover the compelling reasons behind the birth of the Jewish state—an existential imperative rooted in the harsh lessons of history.
In Europe, anti-Semitism has deep historical roots, often manifested through religious, economic, and social discrimination. Bernard Lewis, a prominent historian, extensively documented the plight of Jews in Europe. He argued that Jews were often scapegoated during times of crisis and subjected to expulsions, forced conversions, and pogroms (Lewis, 1986). This persistent persecution was not merely sporadic but systemic, affecting Jewish communities across different regions and eras.
During the Middle Ages, Jews faced relentless persecution, including the infamous expulsions from England in 1290, France in 1306, and Spain in 1492. These expulsions were often motivated by religious intolerance and economic envy. Jews were accused of various libels, such as the blood libel – the baseless accusation that Jews used Christian blood in religious rituals (Roth, 1967). This period also saw the massacres during the Crusades, where Crusaders decimated Jewish communities in Germany and France on their way to the Holy Land (Chazan, 2000).
Jews were frequently confined to ghettos, segregated from the rest of the population, and restricted in their economic activities. This ghettoization was both physical and economic, with Jews often prohibited from owning land and restricted to certain professions, such as money lending and trade, which further fueled anti-Semitic stereotypes (Halevi, 2001). The Venetian Ghetto, established in 1516, is one of the most famous examples, setting a precedent that was followed in other European cities (Ravid, 2001).
In these ghettos, Jews lived under severe restrictions that curtailed their freedom and limited their economic opportunities. Despite these challenges, Jewish communities managed to sustain their religious and cultural practices, creating vibrant, albeit constrained, centers of Jewish life. However, the constant threat of violence and expulsion loomed over these ghettos, underscoring the precarious nature of Jewish existence in medieval and early modern Europe.
The Dreyfus Affair in France at the end of the 19th century was a pivotal event that highlighted the persistence of anti-Semitism in modern Europe. Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish French army officer, was wrongfully convicted of treason based on fabricated evidence. The widespread public and institutional anti-Semitism exposed by this case shocked many. It demonstrated that, despite the Enlightenment and the progress of the 19th century, deep-seated anti-Semitic sentiments still thrived (Hyman, 1979).
The Dreyfus Affair divided French society and highlighted the role of the media in shaping public opinion. Émile Zola's famous open letter "J'accuse" brought widespread attention to the case and criticized the French government and military for their anti-Semitic actions (Zola, 1898). The affair became a rallying point for both anti-Semitic forces and those advocating for justice and equality, illustrating the deep divisions within French society (Birnbaum, 1998). This incident underscored that anti-Semitism was not only a relic of the past but a present and pervasive issue in modern European society.
The political implications of the Dreyfus Affair were profound. It exposed the fragility of the French Republic's commitment to liberty, equality, and fraternity. The affair also played a significant role in the development of Zionism, as Theodor Herzl, covering the event as a journalist, became convinced that Jews needed their state to escape persistent anti-Semitism (Herzl, 1896). Herzl's vision of a Jewish state was directly influenced by the realization that assimilation and integration into European societies could not guarantee safety and acceptance for Jews.
The Dreyfus Affair highlighted the limitations of legal and political reforms in eradicating deep-seated prejudices. It showed that even in the most progressive societies, Jews could still be targets of baseless hatred and institutionalized discrimination. This realization galvanized support for the Zionist movement, which sought to establish a sovereign Jewish state where Jews could control their destiny and protect themselves from external threats.
The Holocaust, orchestrated by Nazi Germany, represents the most horrific manifestation of anti-Semitism in European history. Six million Jews were systematically murdered in an attempt to eradicate the Jewish people. This genocide underscored the urgent need for a haven where Jews could protect themselves from such existential threats. The failure of European nations to protect their Jewish populations during the Holocaust made it clear that Jews could not rely on others for their safety (Bauer, 2001).
The systematic dehumanization and extermination of Jews characterized the Holocaust. The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 stripped Jews of their civil rights, and Kristallnacht in 1938 saw the destruction of Jewish businesses and synagogues and the arrest of thousands of Jews (Friedländer, 1997). The establishment of ghettos, concentration camps, and extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau revealed the industrial scale of the genocide (Berenbaum, 1993).
The global response to the Holocaust was initially inadequate, with many countries refusing to accept Jewish refugees. The Evian Conference of 1938, intended to address the Jewish refugee crisis, ended without significant action, highlighting the international community's reluctance to intervene (Wyman, 1984). The eventual Allied victory and the liberation of the concentration camps brought the full horror of the Holocaust to light, leading to a profound reassessment of human rights and the need for a Jewish homeland (Hilberg, 1985).
In the Islamic world, Jews, along with Christians, were granted dhimmi status, a protected but subordinate position under Islamic rule. Bat Ye'or, a scholar known for her work on the history of non-Muslims under Islamic rule, has extensively documented the conditions of Jews in Arab lands. While dhimmis were allowed to practice their religion, they were subjected to numerous restrictions and a special tax, the jizya (Ye'or, 1985).
Under dhimmi status, Jews were subject to various legal and social restrictions. They were required to wear distinctive clothing, could not build new synagogues, and had to yield the right of way to Muslims on the street (Stillman, 1979). These restrictions varied in severity depending on the time and place but consistently reinforced the subordinate status of Jews in Islamic societies.
Despite their protected status, Jews in the Arab world were periodically subjected to violence and persecution. In 1066, the Jewish community of Granada was massacred, and similar events occurred in other parts of the Islamic world (Scheindlin, 1998). These episodes were often sparked by political instability or economic envy and highlighted the precarious nature of Jewish life under dhimmi status.
The Farhud, a violent pogrom in Baghdad in 1941, exemplifies the volatility and danger faced by Jews in Arab lands. During this event, hundreds of Jews were killed, and Jewish homes and businesses were looted and destroyed. Such incidents were not isolated; they reflected a broader pattern of anti-Jewish violence that erupted in various Arab countries, particularly in the context of rising nationalist movements and the establishment of Israel (Gat, 2013).
The Farhud occurred against the backdrop of increasing Arab nationalism and the influence of pro-Nazi sentiments during World War II. The collapse of the pro-British government in Iraq and the subsequent power vacuum allowed anti-Semitic forces to incite violence against the Jewish community (Black, 2001). This event highlighted the intersection of local politics and broader geopolitical currents in shaping the fate of Jews in the Arab world.
The Farhud and similar events had a profound impact on Jewish communities, leading to a significant deterioration in their security and economic stability. Many Jews began to realize that their future in Arab countries was increasingly uncertain and began to seek emigration to safer environments, including Palestine (Shenhav, 1999).
Following the establishment of Israel in 1948, Jews in Arab countries faced increased hostility and persecution. In many cases, Jews were expelled or fled from countries such as Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, and Libya, leaving behind their homes, businesses, and centuries-old communities. This mass exodus highlighted the untenable situation for Jews in the Arab world and underscored the need for a Jewish state where they could seek refuge and build new lives (Stora, 2004).
The departure from Arab countries often involved forced expulsions and confiscation of property. In Egypt, following the 1956 Suez Crisis, Jews were expelled, and their properties were nationalized (Laskier, 1992). Similar patterns were seen in Iraq, where Jews faced increasing restrictions and violence, leading to their mass departure in the early 1950s (Gat, 2013). Severe economic losses often accompanied these forced migrations, as Jews were compelled to abandon their homes, businesses, and personal belongings, leaving behind generations of accumulated wealth and cultural heritage.
The departure of Jews from Arab countries had significant cultural and economic impacts. Jewish communities had been integral to the cultural and economic fabric of many Arab cities, and their departure marked the end of centuries-old communities. The integration of these refugees into Israeli society was a complex and challenging process involving the creation of new settlements and the integration of diverse cultural traditions (Tsur, 2013). Despite these challenges, the absorption of Jews from Arab countries significantly contributed to the demographic and cultural diversity of the nascent State of Israel, enriching its society with many traditions, languages, and customs.
The Zionist movement emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the persistent and pervasive anti-Semitism faced by Jews in Europe and the Arab world. Theodor Herzl considered the father of modern Zionism, advocated for the establishment of a Jewish state where Jews could exercise self-determination and ensure their security. Herzl and other Zionist leaders recognized that only through the creation of a sovereign state could Jews protect themselves from the recurring waves of anti-Semitism (Laqueur, 2003).
Zionism drew on various ideological foundations, including religious, cultural, and political elements. Religious Zionism emphasized the historical and biblical connection of Jews to the land of Israel. At the same time, political Zionism, as advocated by Herzl, focused on the necessity of a sovereign state to provide physical security and political independence (Avineri, 1981). Cultural Zionism, represented by figures like Ahad Ha'am, stressed the importance of a Jewish cultural revival in the land of Israel (Mendes-Flohr & Reinharz, 1995). This ideological diversity within Zionism allowed it to appeal to a broad spectrum of Jews, each finding a facet of the movement that resonated with their aspirations and experiences.
Early Zionist settlers faced numerous challenges, including hostile local populations, harsh environmental conditions, and limited resources. Establishing agricultural settlements, such as kibbutzim and moshavim, was a key strategy for creating a sustainable Jewish presence in Palestine (Shapira, 1992). These settlements also played a crucial role in fostering community and collective responsibility among the Jewish population. Despite the hardships, the pioneers' determination and innovative spirit laid the groundwork for the modern State of Israel.
The Balfour Declaration of 1917 marked a significant milestone in the Zionist movement. This statement of support from the British government for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine provided international legitimacy to the Zionist cause. Despite facing opposition from various quarters, including segments of the Arab population and British officials, the declaration represented a crucial step towards realizing a Jewish state (Segev, 2000).
The Balfour Declaration resulted from extensive diplomatic efforts by Zionist leaders, including Chaim Weizmann, who worked tirelessly to gain support from key British politicians (Friedman, 2000). However, the declaration also created significant challenges, as it promised to safeguard the rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, leading to tensions and conflicts that would continue to shape the region's history. Balancing these promises with the aspirations of the Jewish population proved to be a complex and contentious process.
The Balfour Declaration had a profound impact on both Jewish and Arab populations in Palestine. For Jews, it represented a major diplomatic victory and a step towards achieving their national aspirations. For Arabs, it was seen as a betrayal and a threat to their own national and political aspirations, leading to increased tensions and eventual violent confrontations (Khalidi, 1997). These divergent reactions highlighted the deep-seated and conflicting national aspirations that would continue to drive the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The horrors of the Holocaust galvanized international support for the creation of a Jewish state. In 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The establishment of Israel in 1948 fulfilled the Zionist dream but also ignited regional conflicts, as neighboring Arab states rejected the partition plan and launched attacks on the nascent Jewish state (Morris, 2008).
The War of Independence (1947-1949) was a crucial and tumultuous period for the newly established State of Israel. Despite being outnumbered and facing multiple fronts, the Israeli forces managed to secure key territories and establish control over critical areas (Gelber, 2006). This period they also involved significant efforts in state-building, including establishing governmental institutions, economic infrastructure, and military capabilities. The successful defense and consolidation of the state during this period laid the foundation for Israel's future stability and growth.
Following the establishment of Israel, the new state faced the enormous challenge of integrating a diverse population of Jewish immigrants from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This involved addressing significant cultural, economic, and social differences while creating a cohesive national identity. The Law of Return, enacted in 1950, granted Jews worldwide the right to immigrate to Israel and gain citizenship, further emphasizing the state's role as a haven for Jews (Sternhell, 1998). This influx of immigrants was critical in shaping Israel's demographic landscape and contributing to its rapid development.
Since its establishment, Israel has faced continuous threats and attacks from various state and non-state actors. The wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, and 1973, along with ongoing terrorist attacks, have underscored the need for a robust defense mechanism to protect the Jewish population. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have played a crucial role in ensuring the security and survival of the state, demonstrating the importance of self-reliance in the face of external threats (Bregman, 2002).
Israel's military strategy has evolved to address its unique security challenges. The IDF has developed a doctrine emphasizing rapid mobilization, preemptive strikes, and technological superiority. Key military victories, such as the Six-Day War in 1967, showcased Israel's ability to defend itself effectively against multiple adversaries (Oren, 2002). These strategies have been critical in maintaining Israel's security and deterring potential aggressors.
In addition to conventional military threats, Israel has also had to address unconventional threats, including terrorism and cyber warfare. The country has invested heavily in technological innovations, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system, to protect its civilian population from rocket attacks (Morris, 2011). These efforts highlight the critical importance of self-reliance and advanced technology in ensuring national security. Israel's focus on maintaining a qualitative military edge has been essential in navigating the complex security landscape of the Middle East.
Beyond military defense, Israel's establishment has provided Jews with diplomatic and economic stability. Israel has developed into a thriving democracy with a strong economy, technological advancements, and a vibrant cultural scene. This stability has enabled Jews to live with a sense of security and dignity, often lacking in their diasporic existence (Senor & Singer, 2009).
Israel's economy has experienced significant growth and transformation since its establishment. From an agrarian-based economy, it has become a global leader in technology and innovation, often called the "Start-Up Nation" due to its high concentration of start-ups and technological advancements (Senor & Singer, 2009). Key sectors include information technology, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, which have driven economic growth and international partnerships. This economic dynamism has improved Israel's living standards and enhanced its global standing.
Israel's diplomatic efforts have been crucial in securing its place in the international community. While facing significant challenges, including ongoing conflicts with Palestinian groups and strained relations with some neighboring countries, Israel has also forged strong alliances with major powers, including the United States. The normalization agreements with several Arab states in recent years, known as the Abraham Accords, represent a significant diplomatic achievement, enhancing regional stability and cooperation (Lynch, 2020). These agreements mark a pivotal shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, opening new avenues for economic and strategic partnerships.
Creating a Jewish state has also facilitated a cultural and religious revival among Jews. Hebrew, once considered a dead language, has been revived and is now the official language of Israel. Jewish traditions, holidays, and customs are celebrated openly and proudly, contributing to a strong sense of identity and community among Israeli Jews (Kimmerling, 2001).
The revival of Hebrew as a spoken language is one of the most remarkable achievements of the Zionist movement. Led by figures like Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the revival transformed Hebrew from a liturgical language into a vibrant, living language used in everyday communication, education, and government (Harshav, 1999). This linguistic revival played a crucial role in unifying the diverse Jewish immigrant population and fostering a shared national identity. The widespread use of Hebrew has been a unifying force, creating a common cultural and linguistic bond among Israelis.
Israel's establishment has also allowed for the flourishing of diverse Jewish religious practices. While the state maintains a predominantly secular character, it accommodates a wide range of religious expressions, from ultra-Orthodox to Reform Judaism. This pluralism has enabled Jews from various backgrounds to practice their faith freely and has fostered a dynamic and multifaceted Jewish cultural life (Goodman, 2005). The freedom to express and practice diverse religious traditions has enriched Israeli society, making it a vibrant tapestry of Jewish life.
Douglas Murray's poignant statement during the Monk Debates captures the essence of this historical truth: "Only the Jews can protect other Jews." This stark reality has echoed through the ages, evidenced by the persistent failure of Europeans and Arabs to shield Jewish communities from persecution. The creation of Israel stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Jewish people to safeguard their future. It is a reminder that in the face of enduring anti-Semitism, the establishment of a Jewish state was not merely justified—it was essential. Israel is more than a country; it embodies a people's unwavering commitment to self-preservation and their rightful place in the world.
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