Arab And Jewish Nationalism

Towards the end of the 19th century, an overwhelming movement towards the concept of nationalism emerged in Europe, eventually diffusing into the Middle East. Nationalism, a set of beliefs that advocates for the political, social, and economic system of a particular state, provided a revolutionary way to define the collective identity of a people. Following the advancement of nationalism in Europe, the Middle East adopted a similar set of ideals -- ideals founded on the unity of history, language, aspirations, and territory (Lecture). Arab and Jewish nationalism were two of the established nationalities that emerged in this climate. Though the Jews and Arabs had seemingly different aspirations and motivations for the creation of their respective

For Jews, persecution sprang not only from political inferiority but rigidly enforced social inferiority as well. Jews faced widespread and systemic racism and persecution. For example, the majority ethnic groups were discouraged from supporting the Jewish economy, thus intentionally ostracizing them in all facets of society. (Arab and Zionists Struggle over Palestine, 167) As Herzl stated, “nations in whose midst Jews live are all either covertly or openly Anti-Semitic.” (Arabs and Zionists Struggle over Palestine, 167) The Arabs argued that they faced similarly intense persecution as a result of their ethnicity. In Vindication of Arab National Rights’, The Arab Government of the Hijaz states, “History has not recorded an instance of a people who have suffered the kind of enslavement and torture which this nation has endured, though it is guilty only of constituting the majority in the Ottoman Empire” (94). Through creating and solidifying a separate Jewish nationality and Arab nationality, both groups sought to protect the welfare of and fulfill the distinct wishes of their people. Additionally, both strove to uphold their history and defend their traditions by escaping their previously held positions of

The Jews and Arabs both needed tangible territory in which they could establish their nation-states. Both groups knew that the only viable means for the acquisition of territory was to go through the world powers because Palestine and the Middle East were essentially under the British and French control. Thus, in order to be taken seriously as both a people and a state, Jews and Arabs needed the clear approval of the world powers. Moreover, the newly formed nations would need guidance in governing their states. As Herzl puts it, “The Society of Jews will treat the present masters of the land, putting itself under the protectorate of the European powers.” (Arabs and Zionists Struggle over Palestine, 167) Since the British and French already had control over the surrounding areas and Palestine was an international zone, it was essential that the Jews acknowledge and abide by the Europeans’ influence over the land and its inhabitants. Likewise, it was vital for the Arabs to have the approval of not only the European powers, but America as well. As described in Vindication of Arab National Rights, the Arab Government of the Hijaz explained, “It cannot but expect sympathy and friendship from the great American nation.” (95) Both the Jews and Arabs essentially complimented both the British and French to evoke the