Fun Trivia : Israel

Structure Sub-topic of: Asian Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries. Special Topics Israel - Important Events and Personalities Israel: 1948 to 2003 The Entebbe Rescue

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Israel

Who is the Austrian Jew who is considered the father of modern Zionism?

And Then There Was Israel


Herzl . Theodor Herzl was a journalist, whose early career did not focus much on Jewish affairs. Covering the Dreyfus affair, however, moved him to believe that it was impossible to combat anti-Semitism, and that the only solution was the establishment of a Jewish state. By 1897, Herzl organized the first Zionist Congress in Basel. He devoted the rest of his life to negotiating with various governments to make the Jewish state a reality. Steeped in the Enlightenment tradition, Herzl saw the future Israel as a modern, secular state. Herzl is buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.



What was Haganah?

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Jewish paramilitary organization in Palestine. Haganah was formed in 1920s to protect Jews against Arab attacks, since British forces wouldn't get involved. By 1936, Haganah numbered 10,000 active on active duty along with 40,000 reservists. Throughout 1940, UK oscillated between asking for Haganah support and all but outlawing it. After the end of World War II, Haganah was involved in anti-British operations, largely designed to free Jews from "displaced persons" camps and allow them to settle in Palestine. Haganah was replaced by the Israeli Defense Force immediately after creation of Israel.



By 1945, Muslims made up what percentage of the British Mandate of Palestine?

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60. The 1922 Census shows a population consisting of 78% Muslims out of the total Palestine population of 752,048. The next twenty years of British rule brought to the region prosperity not seen under the Ottomans; that, together with increased immigration led to a population explosion. By 1945, the census showed a total Palestine population of 1764520, 31% of it Jewish.



When was the State of Israel declared?

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May 14, 1948. On the eve of May 14, 1948, Ben Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel. The declaration mentioned the links of the Jewish people to the land of Israel; pledged to welcome all Jews; appealed to Arabs both inside Israel and outside it to live in peace with the new state. The US recognized the new state de facto immediately; USSR did so de jure three days later.



At the start of the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, Field Marshal Montgomery voiced a popular opinion that Israel would last how long?

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Two weeks. In the beginning of the war, Israel had 1 tank, 28 scout planes, and no warplanes. By the fall of 1948, however, Israel has achieved air superiority; in addition, it had personnel with WWII battle experience. By the end of the war, not only did the State of Israel survive, but also managed to expand its territory.