Page 42 - Why Israel?

Beginning in 1948, hundreds of thousands of these refugees fled to the newly formed State of Israel. Some went to the United States or Europe, but it was Israel that opened its doors with- out hesitation to welcome home the Jewish refugees. Families poured in from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yemen.
The Jewish community in Algeria traced its roots back 2,600 years to the destruction of the First Temple. Before World War II, over 120,000 Jews lived in Algeria. Today, not a single Jew remains in the country.
In Iraq, the Jewish community had remained in the land since their exile from Israel at the hands of ancient Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar. Prior to World War II, there were 130,000 Jews living in Iraq. But when Iraq attacked Israel in 1948 and was humiliated by the Jewish State’s victory, Zionism became a crime punishable by death and Jews were forced to flee for their lives. Today there are less than 10 Jews in the entire country.
Over 50% of Israeli Jews trace their roots back to these refugees from the Mizrahi Jewish community. This Jewish community is often referred to as the “forgotten refugees.”
ISRAEL’S DEFENSIVE WARS
1948 War of Independence
Celebration was short-lived. The next day, five Arab armies attacked Israel. Short on manpower, resources, and with almost no international assistance, Israel miraculously survived and even gained ground. But independence came at a great cost.
Over 50% of Israeli Jews trace their roots back to these refugees from the Mizrahi Jewish community. This Jewish community is often referred to as the “forgotten refugees.”
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WHY ISRAEL