And Then There Was Israel Trivia Quiz

Answer: 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.

Answer: Establishment of Jewish Homeland in Palestine

Balfour Declaration was a letter that Secretary Balfour wrote to Lord Rothschild, declaring British support for establishing a Jewish homeland in the Palestine. In exchange, Jewish leaders privately agreed to pressure the United States into entering World War I. Britain was careful with its wording; it announced its support for the Jewish "homeland", but not for a state.

In private, assurances were made to the Arabs that Palestine would not become a Jewish state.

Answer: Limit the ability of Jews to conduct trade in Palestine

The "White Paper" was Britain's attempt to placate Arabs whose support it needed for the war. The White Paper abandoned the Balfour declaration. It imposed a quota of Jewish immigration to Palestine of 75,000 for the first five years at the time when tens of thousands of Jews needed refuge.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: Philippines

Most non-Muslim countries either voted for the creation of Israel or abstained. Of the permanent Security Council members, only China and UK abstained, with all others voting for the plan. No country where Muslims formed a majority of the population voted for it.

Answer: 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.

Answer: False

Even in 2005, Israel had not adopted a constitution, though an effort has been launched to do so in 2003. One of the reasons for this delay has been pressure from religious groups opposed to the constitution on the grounds that it would be a document deemed higher than G-d's laws. Israel does, however, have "Basic Laws of Israel", which act as a constitution.

Answer: Iraq

The fourth nation was Transjordan. While 4,500 Iraqi troops participated in the war with Israel, no separate armistice agreement was signed with it, in part because there is no border between the two states. Other anti-Israel forces came from Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Together, those nations faced an Israeli army that at first numbered less than 30,000 man, growing each month with the influx of new immigrants from Europe, reaching 108,000 people by the end if the year.

Answer: 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.