Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
locaust, in 1948, the modern state of Israel was officially formed. That trickle of immig-
ration became a flood, as Jews from Europe, Arab lands of the Middle East, and beyond
came here to create Israel.
As Jews returned to build their nation, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were
displaced. And to this day, both peoples struggle to find an equitable and peaceful way to
share what they each consider their rightful homeland.
The dividing of the Holy Land hasn't been easy. At first, the United Nations estab-
lished a border known as the Green Line. Then, in 1967's Six-Day War, Israel launched a
surprise offensive to take over land held by Jordan, Syria, and Egypt, substantially increas-
ing its territory. Palestinians managed to hold two enclaves within Israel: the Gaza Strip
(a tiny yet densely populated coastal area adjoining Egypt) and the West Bank (between
Jerusalem and the Jordan River).
