Reliigion in the Middle East

The religious conflict between the Jews and the Arab Muslims in what is today known as Israel has been a divisive factor in the Middle East, and the world, for centuries. For years the Jews and the Arab Muslims have fought over a territory they both consider holy in their religions. For years the state of Israel, or the former state of Palest

ine, has been tossed politically between the hands of the Jews and the Arabs. The major transfer of the state of Israel occurred on May 14, 1948, when the Jews proclaimed the Independent State of Israel, and the British withdrew from Palestine. In the days and weeks following Israel’s proclamation of independence however, neighboring Arab nations attacked the new state of Israel in an attempt to regain Palestine as an Arab nation. Palestinian attempts to set up an organized state however were blocked by Egypt and Jordan, though in later years Egypt proceeded to violate its agreements to not attack the Jewish State. This transfer of power that occurred in 1948 was not simply a mere change in political rule, but also a change in religious rule. Israel was and continues to be a very sensitive area to both Jews and Muslims alike due to its significance in the scriptures and studies of both faiths. The invasions of Israel by Arab Muslim nations comes as no surprise as while the Jews hold their holy land of Israel as a state of their own, the Arab Muslims do not. Although politically, the Jews were entitled to their independent state, religiously, both the Arab Muslims and the Jews felt religiously entitled to the state of Israel. Currently Israel is a Jewish state, and there are violent uprisings constantly by Arab militants. On June 10, 2003, Israel attempted to assassinate Hamas leader Ahmed Rantissi, provoking retaliation from the Palestinians. On June 11, a Hamas suicide bombing killed 16 Israelis in a bus on the main street of Jerusalem. On August 20, a suicide bombing killed 21 people on a bus in Jerusalem. The following day, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Abu Shanab, possibly in retaliation. In total, 38 Israelis died as a result of their attempt to assassinate Ahmed Rantissi. This is but a small example of the violence that occurs practically daily in Israel. This violence and conflict is a direct result of religious differences between the Israeli Jews and the Palestinian Muslims. Land and cultures are constantly being divided in the region of Israel

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