Boundaries and Events: How Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory Became What they are Today

Introduction

The boundaries of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have changed considerably since the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Learning Intention: I will learn about the land Israel had in 1948 and today.
I will learn about the land the Palestinians had in 1948 and today.

Success Criteria: I can give reasons why Israel has the land it has. I can give reasons why Palestinians have the land they have.

Preparation: Each group has one set of cards. Paper for each group to draw their own timeline and perhaps one large wall display for students to create a timeline.

Activity 1

Students read the cards, answer the questions and make the timeline.

Event answer sheet

    1. Look up the meaning of the words:

      Persecution – Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs.
      Homeland – A person or a people’s native land.
      Holocaust – Destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, especially caused by fire or nuclear war; also denotes the mass murder of Jews and others under the German Nazi regime during the period 1941-5.
      Independent – Free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority.
      Occupied – Taken control of by military conquest or settlement.
      Settlements – A recently settled community or colony.
      International Court of Justice – a United Nations court to deal with legal disputes between states.
      Intifada – An uprising or resistance to something.
      Terrorism – An action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public. Its purpose is to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

    2. Why was the Zionist movement formed?

      The Zionist movement was formed because they believed Jewish people were at risk in Europe and wanted them to have a Jewish state in Palestine.

    3. What did the Balfour Declaration state?

      The Balfour Declaration stated that Britain would support a homeland for Jewish people on condition that the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities would not be prejudiced.

    4. How many Jewish and non-Jewish people died in the Holocaust?

      6 million Jewish people and 5 million non-Jewish people died in the Holocaust.

    5. What percentage of Palestine did the UN recommend for a Jewish state and an Arab state?

      The UN recommended 55% of Palestine for a Jewish state and 45% for an Arab state.

    6. When was the State of Israel proclaimed?

      The State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948.

    7. How many Palestinians were forced to leave their home in 1948?

      750,000 Palestinians fled from their home in 1948.

    8. Did the State of Israel have more or less land after 1967?

      Israel had more land after 1967.

    9. What did the International Court of Justice say about settlements?

      The ICJ said the settlements were illegal.

    10. How did Palestinians respond in the first Intifada?

      During the first Intifada the Palestinians threw stones at the Israeli army.

    11. What was different in the second Intifada?

      The second Intifada was different because there was increased violence including terrorist attacks.

    12. Why have the Israelis been building a barrier between them and their Palestinian neighbours?

      The Israelis have built a barrier because they believe it will keep Israeli citizens safe from Palestinian attacks.
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