Judaic Studies 390STA - British Mandate for Palestine

For centuries, Jews living in the Diaspora have longed for a return to the Holy Land. This course examines the efforts of the Zionist movement to create a Jewish state in Palestine from the late nineteenth century through May 1948. This course begins with an in depth look at the ideological origins of Zionism as an attempt to create a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution. Central to this effort was the emergence of a new Hebrew or Israeli identity, which saw itself as distinct from Jewish life in Europe. The course will consider ways Zionism represents a break from or continuation of Jewish history. Further, from 1917 through 1948, Jews in Palestine found themselves as colonial subjects of the British empire. In what ways did this colonial experience shape Jewish identity in the Holy Land. Additionally the course will consider Zionisms encounter with the Middle East, the impact of Jewish-Arab contacts and conflicts, as well as the role played by Middle Eastern Jews coming to Palestine in the period. Finally the course will consider the impact of decolonization on the subsequent state of Israel and the wider Middle East.