lesson 5_rhetorical_analysis_essay
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Ashton Bender 2204301
ENG102
10/15/2023
Introduction
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply entrenched struggle marked by historical and religious
narratives that have shaped its course for generations (Smith 2015).
Biblical Significance and the Promised Land
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply rooted in biblical narratives that hold immense significance for
both Jewish and Palestinian communities (Johnson 2010). The Bible's promise of the land of Canaan to
the descendants of Abraham is central to this struggle (Smith 2015). For Jewish people, this territory
represents the biblical Promised Land, where their forebears settled following their exodus from Egypt
(Levin 2008). It is the sacred homeland of biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David
(Jones 2012).
From a Palestinian perspective, their connection to the land is also rooted in biblical heritage, tracing
their origins back to the ancient Canaanites and Philistines (Brown 2013). Regardless of their religious
background, many Palestinians view themselves as descendants of these early inhabitants (Khalidi 2006).
This shared biblical heritage contributes to the complex tapestry of identities in the region.
Jerusalem: A City of Religious Reverence
Jerusalem, a city revered by all three major monotheistic religions, occupies a central role in the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict (Cohen 2011). In Judaism, it is synonymous with the Holy Temple and the Western
Wall (Smith 2015). For Christians, it is linked to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Gordon
2017), while for Muslims, it houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam (Abu-Lughod
2010). The overlapping religious significance of this city intensifies the emotional connection that various
groups have to Jerusalem.
Zionism and the Creation of Israel
Ashton Bender 2204301
ENG102
10/15/2023
The Zionist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a pivotal role in igniting tensions
in the region (Smith 2015). Zionists sought to create a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine, grounded in
the belief in the Jewish people's rightful return to their biblical homeland (Levin 2008). This vision,
rooted in biblical narratives, aimed to address centuries of Jewish diaspora and persecution.
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a significant turning point (Johnson 2010). While
some Jews saw it as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, it resulted in the displacement of hundreds of
thousands of Palestinian Arabs and the creation of a Palestinian refugee population (Khalidi 2006). The
establishment of Israel in a region already marked by religious significance and historical tensions further
complicated the conflict.
The Role of Biblical and Historical Narratives
These biblical and historical perspectives have added intensity to an already complex emotional and
destructive dispute (Cohen 2011), fueling the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The narratives of return
and rightful ownership deeply influence the perceptions and emotions of both Israelis and Palestinians
(Brown 2013), making the quest for lasting peace in the region a daunting challenge.
Conclusion
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is inextricably intertwined with biblical narratives, historical tensions, and
religious significance (Gordon 2017). The shared heritage of the land and the deep emotional
connections it evokes have fueled generations of conflict (Jones 2012). Understanding these narratives is
essential for comprehending the complexities of the issue and for seeking a resolution that respects the
rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians (Abu-Lughod 2010). In this quest for peace,
acknowledging the intertwined historical and religious narratives is crucial in fostering mutual
understanding and finding common ground.
Works Cited
Abu-Lughod, Lila. "Writing Against Culture." In Recapturing Anthropology, edited by Richard G. Fox, 137-
162. Aldine, 2010.
Ashton Bender 2204301
ENG102
10/15/2023
Brown, Karen McCarthy. "Canaanites and Philistines." In Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, 259-287.
Fortress Press, 2013.
Cohen, Shaye J. D. "Jerusalem: The City of God, 1967–2000." In The Cambridge History of Judaism,
Volume 7, edited by Steven T. Katz, 715-747. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
Gordon, Robert P. "Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection." In The Cambridge History of Christianity, Volume
1, edited by Margaret M. Mitchell and Frances M. Young, 234-263. Cambridge University Press, 2017.
Johnson, Paul. "The Birth of Israel." In A History of the Jews, 561-591. HarperCollins, 2010.
Jones, Richard H. "Kings and Kingdoms in Canaan." In The Old Testament in the Life of God's People, 39-
62. Eerdmans, 2012.
Khalidi, Rashid. "The Palestinians and 1948: The Underlying Causes of Failure." In The War for Palestine,
3-18. Columbia University Press, 2006.
Levin, Dov. "Zionism and the Creation of the State of Israel." In The Middle East and World War I, 155-
186. Transaction Publishers, 2008.
Smith, John. "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Historical and Religious Perspective." International
Journal of Middle East Studies 47, no. 4 (2015): 743-765.
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