- Israel is Born

On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel is born. Jewish people celebrate in every land across the world. The next day, five Arab countries–Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon–invade the new Jewish state, beginning Israel’s War of Independence. Against all expectations, Israel is victorious.

Violence against the Jews escalates throughout the Arab world, and the New York Times writes that they face “mortal peril.” A law is passed in Syria forbidding Jews to emigrate, and their property is confiscated. Jews flee Syria for Beirut and Israel.

(Image of Jews celebrating the Proclamation of the State of Israel in Washington, D.C., courtesy of the National Archives.)

  • Biblical Times
  • 950 BCE
  • 630s
  • 929
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  • 1565 c.
  • 1665
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  • 1840
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  • 1948
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