So how did it all begin?
In May 1948, the local Arab population was joined by seven Arab countries in a collective attempt to destroy the newly reestablished Jewish state. Encouraged by Arab leaders who promised they would return as victors, and later on as a result of their failed war efforts, an estimated 500000 Arabs fled to neighboring Arab territories.
But is this the full picture?
I’d like you to take a look at the refugees in these photos
Many people assume they are Arab refugees fleeing Israel. But in fact, they are innocent Jewish refugees forced out of Arab countries.
There were far more Jewish refugees than Arab refugees. Over 850000 Jews from ancient Jewish communities predating Islam and the Arab occupation of the Middle East where forced out of their homes. Jews were stripped of their citizenship in many countries, and their porperty was confiscated.
In contrast, 160000 Arabs accepted Israel’s offer to remain, and today, there are more than one million Israeli Arab citizens with full equal rights living in Israel.
Now here is a question.
Have you heard of any Jewish refugee camps?
I didn’t think so.
The jewish refugees were immediately welcomed and absorbed by Israel or by other nations.
Then why, after more than 60 years, are the Arab "Palestinian" refugees still not welcomed and absorbed among their own brethren?
And how could their numbers have grown from 500000 to 4700000 million?
The sad reality is that the arab refugees never had a chance.
Attempts at resettlement were blocked by a variety of discriminatory laws.
Enacted in Arab countries, such as a ban on receiving citizenship (with the exeption of Jordan), blocking them from entering many professions, restrictions on owning land, restrictions on movement and a denial of education and health services.
Sir
Alexander Galloway, a former director of the UN Refugee Agency in Jordan, gave the reason for this discrimination
Egyptian President
Gmal Abdel Nasser explained the effect of this weapon aimed at overwhelming Israel demographically, with generations of refugees cultivated to hate
And what role did the United Nations play?
Sadly, they were less than helpful.
While all refugees in the world are assisted by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a separate agency, UNWRA, was established specifically for the "Palestinians"
Why can’t the "Palestinian" refugees share an agency with the refugees of Bosnia, Congo, or Darfur, to name a few?
The answer ist because while the UN Central Refugee Agency helps refugees resettle, the UN "Palestinian" Refugee Agency helps perpetuate their status by applying unique criteria.
For example refugees lose their status after receiving citizenship frm a recognized country. "Palestinian" refugees do not. Refugees cannot transmit their status from generation to generation. "Palestinian" refugees can. Refugees are encouraged to resettle in other countries or integrate in their host countries. UNWRA avoids such policies. The United Nations spends on a single "Palestinian" refugee almost three times more than on a non-"Palestinian" refugee and employs over 30 times the staff.
The bottom line is, throughout the 20th century, the UN found durable solutions for tens of millions of refugees, while the "Palestinian" Refugee Agency has found, well, none.
Some people may suggest this is hypocrisy.
600000 Jews from Arab states were resettled in Israel. History has proven that resettlement and integration helped tens of millions of refugees during the 20th century reclaim their lives.
However, the "Palestinian" refugees are trapped between Arab leaders unwilling to accept their brothers and UN agencies who do not apply equal and universal principles to all refugees.
Is this just?
