Simplifying the Palestine-Israel Conflict Through Kashmir’s Lens
Historically, Hindus were the original inhabitants of Kashmir. This region was predominantly Hindu until 1300AD. However, a series of unfortunate events led by radical terrorists resulted in the massacre of many, and by 1990, the last Hindu groups were driven out.
Imagine a scenario where, after a century, these Kashmiri Hindus decide to return to their homeland. They repurchase their lands and settle there peacefully. In this analogy, the Kashmiri Hindus represent the Jews, and the radical terrorists symbolize the Palestinians. This raises the question: “Now who is the oppressed, and who is the oppressor?”
To understand this better, let’s delve into the history of Israel. From at least 2000BC until 63BC, the region flourished as the “Kingdom of Israel” under Jewish rule. This land wasn’t just a kingdom; it was their promised land as per the Bible. The Jews were its original inhabitants. However, the Roman Empire, known for its anti-Jewish stance, divided this kingdom into Syria and Palestina. This division marked the beginning of various tortures under subsequent Islamic rulers.
Jewish tribes, such as the Banu Nadir, the Banu Qainuqa, and the Banu Qurayza, were not only affluent and influential across the Arab Peninsula but also peace-loving. Yet, they were ransacked from Medina and became prime targets under Islamic rule. To escape persecution, many Jews fled to Europe and Russia. But the desire, the flame to return to their homeland, never extinguished.
The region, once a thriving Jewish empire, came under the control of the Ottoman Empire. After its disintegration, Jews began moving back to Palestine, purchasing unoccupied wastelands in what was once Israel. These lands, initially barren and unproductive, were transformed into rich, fertile grounds due to the Jews’ hard work and innovative techniques. Their agricultural prowess was so impressive that even Arabs began adopting their methods.
The world wars brought further challenges. Persecuted by Nazis in Europe, many Jews sought refuge in America and their ancestral land, Palestine. Influential Jewish figures garnered global support, especially from Russia, the USA, and European nations, for the creation of Israel. At the time, the region was under British control, who often appeased the Muslims, leading to skirmishes between the Jews and the British.
On 14th May 1948, the Jewish State of Israel was formally established. However, this joy was short-lived as they were immediately attacked by neighboring Arab countries like Egypt, Syria, Trans Jordan, and Lebanon. But the Jews, with funds from their global community, had procured weapons and aircraft from the remnants of World War II, enabling them to defend their newfound nation.
Over the years, Israel faced multiple wars:
- 1948 against Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.
- 1967 against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.
- 1973 against Egypt, Syria, and other hostile Arab nations, who launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur.
- And now, in 2023, they face threats from Iran, Qatar, Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon.
Despite these challenges, the Jews have been progressive, developing infrastructure even in areas like the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Yet, in return, they often face hate and persecution.
In light of this history, one is compelled to ask yet again: “Who is the oppressor, and who is the oppressed?”
For a video on the same: https://youtu.be/NrC7ioqdL-M
