Bravo on Mitchell First’s article “Some Thoughts on Palestinian Refugees,” November 23, 2023 (p.79). Two books should be added to his recommended reading list:
“Phantom Nation: Inventing the “Palestinians” as the Obstacle to Peace” by Shai Ben-Tekoa. “… an exhaustive survey of historical records and news accounts that demonstrates conclusively…the Arabs currently inhabiting the land of Israel have no indigenous ties to the area… ”?(Amazon)
“From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict Over Palestine”, by Joan Peters, comprehensively describes the fabrication of “Palestinians” from heterogeneous Arab refugees into a pawn against Israel.
During the British Mandate, illegal immigration from Arab countries—primarily Yemen, Egypt, Syria and Iraq—was encouraged. (1) The key to oil was in the hands of Muslim nations antagonistic towards Jews. The British violated the Palestine Mandate (1922), which initiated reinstatement of a Jewish Homeland. Seventy-eight percent of land designated for the Jews was amputated – given to Arabs, creating Transjordan. This was a “Two-State Solution.”
In 1948, Arab migrants fled Israel, expecting booty from Jews butchered by Muslim armies. After the Jews’ miraculous victory, they never returned. The UN set up refugee centers. Other Arabs joined the horde, dishonestly claiming refugee status for free healthcare, food and schooling.
The myth of “Palestinians” metastasized, ironically, thanks to the Israeli government. At the Oslo Accords (1993), Prime Minister Rabin legitimized it, shaking hands with the murderer Arafat (an Egyptian).
In 1970, Golda Meir stated: There are no “Palestinians,” just Jews and Arabs, and further mentioned that she is a Palestinian. Chaim Malaky of Passaic, New Jersey, formerly of Pardes Hanna, recalls the angry retort of an Arab construction worker in 1960, when he referred to him as “Palestinian”: “Ana la Falasteen! Ana Arab! Enta Falasteen!” [“I’m not a Palestinian! I’m an Arab! You’re a Palestinian!”] Yes, Arabs living in Israel considered it part of Syria and were insulted if you called them “Palestinians.” (Note the mispronunciation “Falesteen.” There’s no “P” in Arabic. “Palestinians” cannot pronounce “Palestine!”)
In 135 CE, Roman emperor Hadrian, defeating Bar Kochba’s revolt, sought to erase all traces of Jews from Israel, renaming it “Syria Palestina,” alluding to the Philistines, savage foes of the Israelites.
PLO military official, Zuheir Muhsin, stated: “…The founding of a Palestinian state is a new tool in the continuing battle against Israel…” (2) Muhammad taught, deception is meritorious.
Goebbels said: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will…come to believe it.”
Sefer Yehoshua (15:47) allots Gaza to the tribe of Judah. G-d promised Eretz Yisrael to our Patriarchs 37 centuries ago. Jewish schools must stress: There is no “Palestine.” When our young people embark for college and careers, this must be second nature in their minds.
We need strong Israeli leaders who are not ashamed to mention the God of Israel and declare that Jews are the true heirs of Eretz Yisrael. As to the UN, to quote Ben Gurion, “Um Shmum.”
(“Um” in Hebrew refers to the UN)
- Peters, p. 278.
- Peters, p. 137.
Hindishe Lee
Passaic
