Lecture 18: 20th Century Jerusalem

20th Century Jerusalem is marked by the British Mandate Period, which lasted from the end of World War I to the end of World War II (1918-1948). Also significant in this era is the propagation of secular Zionism, though the roots of Zionism began in the nineteenth century. In 1840, Yehuda Hai Alchelai started a fund in order to buy land in Palestine; many orthodox Jews, however, rejected Zionism as impious. Then, in 1896, Theodore Herzl calls for the need of a Jewish State. Important to keep in mind are Herzl's secular goals during this process, as he  does not consider Jerusalem's sacred history as fundamental for the Jewish State. Therefore, he proposes for a Jewish State, not in the "Holy City," but in Uganda. This notion builds support, as Herzl is regarded as the "Messiah, the Son of David."

With the advent of Secular Zionism, also comes the rise of Antisemitism and Immigration. During the 20th century, there is an increasing rise in European nationalism. While antisemitic behavior and actions increase in Europe, many Jews flee to Palestine, exponentially increasing the population count in Jerusalem.

Resulting from the first world war is the partitioning of the former Ottoman Empire between France and Britain. The Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916 between these two powers divided the Ottoman lands such that France had control (in either the form of direct rule or spheres of influence) of Turkey, North Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, while Britain had control of South Iraq, Palestine, and Jordan.

Following the Sykes Picot Agreement, British Prime Minister Lloyd tells Arthur Balfour to write to Lord Rothschild (leader of British Jews) a promise for a Jewish State in Palestine. Known as the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the letter caused much controversy, leading to Arab riots in 1920 and 1921. In response to these violent outbreaks, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill writes the "White Paper of 1922," with a mission to clarify the terms of the Balfour Declaration. The White Paper gave a portion of the land West of the Jordan to Jews, and the land East of the Jordan, renamed Transjordan to Abdullah I.

As violence continues to escalate between the Arabs and the Jews prior to WWII, the UN suggests the Peel Plan, which calls for a "two state solution." Under this plan, the Jewish state would be established in Galilee, Upper Jordan Valley, and Coastal Plain, while the Palestinian state would be in the Central Hills, West Bank, and Negev. Jerusalem would be an "international city." Though suggested in 1937, it was not ratified by the UN until 1947. This compromise was accepted by the Zionists as a bare minimum, but it was completely rejected by the Arabs. Disagreement leads to fighting in Jerusalem.

Violence breaks out in 1948 in the form of a civil war. Often regarded as the Arab-Israeli War, or the War of Independence by Israel, this event marks the end of the British Mandate. As the Israelis launch Operation Pitchfork to capture "Bevingrad" in central Jerusalem, the Jordanian army arrives. The two powers sign an armistice, creating the Green Line between Israel and Jordanian held West Bank. At this point, Israel declared Independence, controlling West Jerusalem.

Arab unrest during this period can be evidenced in the assassination of King Abdullah I in front of the Al Aqsa Mosque in 1951. Two years later, King Hussein declares Jerusalem the second capital of the State of Jordan in 1953.

Once again, violence breaks out over Jerusalem in the Six Day War of 1967. During this time, Israel enters the Old City, and claims that they will never move out of Jerusalem again. Within the next few days, Israeli General, Moshe Dayan gives control of the Temple Mount to the Muslims, and Jews are forbidden to pray or enter the Haram. Though Israel annexes the Old City and East Jerusalem (formerly under Jordanian control), the annexation is not recognized by the UN.

The results of the Six Day War--Israeli occupation of the city--causes the first Intifada (Palestinian uprising). The Oslo Accords are a response to the violence that breaks out in 1988-1992 (following the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian State). In its terms are a calling for a Palestinian Authority that would control Palestinian areas in the occupied territories. Also in the accords are the letters of Mutual Recognition, where the Palestinian Liberation Organization would recognize Israel's right to statehood, while Israel would recognize Arafat as the legitimate chairman of the PLO.

A second intifada was believed to be caused by Ariel Sharom's visit on the Haram in 2000, as the Israelis were not supposed to step foot on the Temple Mount out of respect for the location of the ancient Holy of Holies.