Israel and the evolution of special operations and unconventional warfare

Israel's evolution of special operations and unconventional warfare is deeply intertwined with its unique geopolitical circumstances, lack of strategic depth, and a persistent need to overcome numerical inferiority against hostile neighbors and non-state actors. This history has forged a military doctrine emphasizing preemption, offensive action, and high-quality, adaptable forces.

Here's a breakdown of the key influences and developments:

1. Early Zionist Paramilitary Groups (Pre-State Foundations)

Before the establishment of Israel in 1948, the Haganah (the primary Jewish paramilitary organization) and its elite strike force, the Palmach, laid the groundwork for future Israeli special operations.

Influence of Orde Wingate and the Special Night Squads (SNS): During the Arab Revolt of 1936-39, British Captain (later Major General) Orde Wingate, a staunch Zionist, trained and led mixed British-Jewish units called the Special Night Squads.

"Offensive Defense": Wingate introduced the revolutionary concept of taking the fight to the enemy at night, rather than passively defending settlements. This emphasized proactive, offensive operations, ambushes, and night infiltration.

Small Unit Tactics: The SNS operated in small, agile groups, relying on surprise and decisive action.

Leadership by Example: Wingate's personal, highly aggressive leadership style inspired his men and a generation of future Israeli military leaders (e.g., Moshe Dayan, Yigal Allon, Yitzhak Rabin).

Controversial Ethics: Wingate's methods, including some alleged retaliatory actions against Arab civilians, were highly effective but also controversial, showcasing a willingness to bend rules for perceived military necessity, a trait that would, at times, resurface in early Israeli special ops.

Palmach's Adaptation: The Palmach wholeheartedly embraced Wingate's principles, refining night operations, small-unit tactics, and aggressive leadership. They focused on:

• Raids and Ambushes: Disrupting Arab and British forces.
• Clandestine Operations: Operating as an underground force, developing skills in covert movement and intelligence.
• Developing Commanders: Nurturing a cadre of highly independent and effective field commanders, many of whom would lead the IDF.
• "Fighting as Guerrillas": Against a more powerful conventional foe, they adopted irregular methods out of necessity.

2. The Early IDF (1948-1950s): Retaliation and Deterrence

After 1948, Israel faced constant cross-border infiltrations and attacks from fedayeen (Palestinian irregulars) originating from neighboring Arab states. This necessitated a new approach to deterrence and response.

• Unit 30 and Unit 101:
• Unit 30 (1951): An early attempt at a specialized retaliation unit, but it was not deemed successful enough.
• Unit 101 (1953): Formed by Ariel Sharon on direct orders from David Ben-Gurion, Unit 101 was a groundbreaking development.

Purpose: To conduct daring, rapid reprisal raids across borders to deter future attacks and restore a sense of security.

Tactics: Pioneered small-unit maneuvers, activation, and insertion/exit tactics. They were highly aggressive, often operating at night.

Controversy: The unit gained notoriety for its effectiveness but also for controversial actions like the Qibya raid in 1953, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. This highlighted the tension between military necessity and international condemnation.

Integration: Unit 101 was short-lived as an independent entity, but its spirit and many of its personnel (including Sharon) were quickly merged into the Paratroopers Brigade, spreading its aggressive ethos and special operations methods throughout a larger, more conventional force.

3. Maturation and Specialization (1960s-1970s): Sayeret Matkal and Counter-Terrorism

The success of Unit 101 and the lessons from early conflicts led to the further professionalization and specialization of Israeli special operations.

Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, 1957): Modeled after the British SAS (even adopting their motto "Who Dares Wins"), Sayeret Matkal became the IDF's premier special operations unit.

1. Primary Role: Deep reconnaissance and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.
2. Secondary Role: Hostage rescue and counter-terrorism (CT).

Methodology: Emphasizes meticulous planning, advanced intelligence, highly selective recruitment, and rigorous training. Operations are often covert and highly sensitive.

Iconic Operations: Famous for daring long-range raids and hostage rescues, such as Operation Isotope (Sabena Flight 571, 1972) and especially Operation Entebbe (1976), which became a textbook example of a successful long-range CT operation. This cemented Israel's reputation as a world leader in CT.

Shayetet 13 (Naval Commando Unit): The Israeli Navy's special forces, specializing in maritime special operations, including sabotage, reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism. Also known for its rigorous training and daring operations.

Rise of Counter-Terrorism: The 1970s saw a surge in international terrorism, often targeting Israeli interests. This necessitated a strong focus on counter-terrorism capabilities, with units like Sayeret Matkal and eventually the civilian Yamam (National Counter Terror Unit) becoming highly adept at hostage rescue and direct action against terrorist groups.

4. Adapting to Asymmetric Warfare and Evolving Threats (1980s-Present)

As the nature of conflict shifted from conventional state-on-state wars to more asymmetric conflicts with non-state actors (e.g., Hezbollah, Hamas), Israeli special operations continued to evolve.

Focus on Asymmetric Warfare: 

Israeli special forces are heavily involved in fighting insurgencies, conducting targeted killings, intelligence gathering in urban environments, and dealing with tunnel warfare.

"Mista'arvim" Units:" Units like Duvdevan and Shimshon (later absorbed) specialize in undercover operations, blending in with the Arab population to conduct intelligence, arrests, and counter-terrorism. This is a unique and highly sensitive form of unconventional warfare.

Technological Integration: Extensive use of advanced technology for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), precision targeting, and communication.

Special Operations Command ("Depth Corps"): In 2011, Israel established a "Depth Corps" (now often referred to as a Special Operations Command) to better coordinate its numerous special forces units across different branches, aiming for greater synergy in long-range and complex operations, reflecting a global trend in SOF organization.

Hybrid Warfare: More recently, Israel has engaged in what is termed "hybrid warfare," combining conventional military force with unconventional tactics, cyber operations, and psychological warfare, particularly in conflicts like the ongoing one in Gaza. This includes efforts to arm and support local forces to achieve specific objectives.

Conclusion

Israel's journey in special operations and unconventional warfare has been shaped by necessity. 

From the foundational influence of Wingate's offensive mindset and the Palmach's adaptable small-unit tactics, through the aggressive retaliation of Unit 101, to the sophisticated intelligence and CT capabilities of Sayeret Matkal and the specialized "Mista'arvim" units, the IDF has continually refined its approach.

The key drivers remain:

• Lack of Strategic Depth: Requiring offensive action and deterrence.
• Numerical Inferiority: Demanding qualitative superiority through elite forces, advanced training, and innovative tactics.
• Dynamic Threat Environment: Adapting to evolving challenges from state armies, irregular forces, and global terrorism.

While retaining a strong emphasis on direct action and rapid response, Israel's special operations have also become increasingly nuanced, integrating sophisticated intelligence, technological prowess, and a willingness to engage in complex, multi-layered "hybrid" approaches to maintain its security edge in a volatile region.

Comparing methods of special operations and unconventional warfare

Comparing the methods of Otto Skorzeny, the British SAS, Orde Wingate, and the Palmach's Special Night Squads (SNS) offers a fascinating look at the evolution of special operations and unconventional warfare, highlighting both shared principles and distinct ideological and institutional differences.

Otto Skorzeny's "Doctrine" (Personalized, Audacious, and Ethically Flexible) Key Characteristics:

• Audacious Direct Action: Focus on highly visible, often single-shot, high-risk missions (e.g., Mussolini rescue, Operation Greif).
• Deception & Perfidy: Willingness to use ruses of war, including wearing enemy uniforms to sow confusion and gain tactical advantage, even if this bordered on or crossed into perfidy (illegal under international law if used during an attack to feign protected status).
• Psychological Impact: Operations aimed to demoralize the enemy and inspire his own forces.
• Improvisation & Opportunism: High adaptability and seizing opportunities as they arose.
• Centralized, Personal Control: Missions often flowed from Hitler's direct command to Skorzeny, who executed them with significant personal authority.
• Ethical Stance: Highly pragmatic and unconstrained by conventional military ethics or international law when it came to achieving objectives.

British SAS Doctrine (Professionalized, Discreet, and Legally Compliant)

Key Characteristics:

• Strategic Reconnaissance & Direct Action: Core roles involve operating deep behind enemy lines for intelligence gathering and precision strikes.
• Small, Independent Teams: Emphasis on highly trained, self-reliant small teams capable of sustained operations.
• Surprise, Speed, Violence of Action: Standard direct-action principles.
• Meticulous Planning & Rehearsal: Detailed preparation is crucial for mission success.
• Covert/Discreet Operations: Often prioritize stealth and avoiding detection, especially for reconnaissance.
• Strict Adherence to Laws of Armed Conflict: Operates within legal and ethical boundaries, differentiating between legitimate ruses of war and perfidy.
• Institutionalized Training & Doctrine: A professional force with standardized selection, training, and evolving doctrines.
• Long-Term Strategic Impact: Missions are typically part of broader strategic objectives (e.g., supporting resistance movements, counterterrorism).

British Captain (later Major General) Orde Wingate, a staunch Zionist, trained and led mixed British-Jewish units called the Special Night Squads (SNS) (Offensive Irregularity & Leadership by Example)

Wingate's influence on the Special Night Squads occurred during the 1936-39 Arab Revolt when the unit was formed to fight Counterinsurgency against Arab rebels in Mandatory British Controlled Palestine.

Context:

Key Characteristics:

• Offensive, Night Operations: Pioneering the concept of taking the fight to the enemy at night, rather than passively defending. This was revolutionary for the British Army at the time.
• Mixed British-Jewish Units: Collaborative effort with the Haganah (Jewish paramilitary organization), providing invaluable training to future Israeli military leaders (e.g., Moshe Dayan, Yigal Allon).
• Ambush & Interdiction: Focusing on Counterinsurgency by ambushing rebel groups and disrupting their movements.
• Aggressive Leadership: Wingate's personal, almost messianic, leadership style, leading from the front and pushing his men to their limits.
• “Fighting the guerrillas like guerrillas":  A pragmatic approach to counter-insurgency.
• Ethical Stance (Controversial): While the SNS was effective, Wingate's methods (including alleged collective punishment and "robust" intelligence gathering) were highly controversial and criticized for their brutality and impact on civilian populations. This aspect distinguishes him sharply from the SAS's formalized ethical code.

Palmach Night Squads (Indigenous, Pragmatic, and Foundation-Building)

The Palmach Hebrew Plugot HaMaḥatz (the elite strike force of the Haganah in Mandatory Palestine) adopted and adapted many of Wingate's principles, particularly in its early "Night Squads" and wider fighting methods.

Key Characteristics:

• Offensive Night Operations: Directly influenced by Wingate, the Palmach prioritized night attacks, ambushes, and raids.
• Small Unit Tactics (Minor Tactics Warfare): Operating in small, agile units (squads, platoons) due to limited manpower, weaponry, and the clandestine nature of their operations.
• Emphasis on Training & Leadership: Developed highly capable, independent field commanders (many trained by Wingate directly or indirectly) who led from the front.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Crucial for an underground force operating against a superior British and later Arab conventional force.
• Clandestine Operations: Operated secretly, often using subterfuge, against both the British Mandate and Arab forces.
• Political Objectives: Unlike purely military special forces, the Palmach's operations were deeply intertwined with the political goal of establishing a Jewish state.
• Foundation of a Future Army: The Palmach's methods and personnel formed the core of the nascent Israel Defense Forces.

In essence,

Skorzeny represented the radical, often ethically unconstrained, individual genius of special operations.

The SAS embodies the institutionalized, professional, and globally applicable model.

Wingate was a “visionary pioneer” who proved the efficacy of offensive irregular warfare, influencing both his own military and the nascent Israeli forces.

The Palmach Night Squads were the “pragmatic, indigenous adaptation” of these principles, crucial for survival and state-building in a challenging environment. 

All four, however, understood the critical role of surprise, speed, and highly trained personnel in achieving disproportionate results in unconventional warfare.

Comparing the Otto Skorzeny Waffen SS commando doctrine to that of the British SAS (Special Air Service)

Comparing the "Skorzeny doctrine" to that of the SAS (Special Air Service) reveals both striking similarities in the practical application of special operations and fundamental differences in their underlying philosophy, ethical considerations, and institutional integration.

The "Skorzeny Doctrine" (Unconventional Warfare as a Personal Art)

As established, this isn't a codified doctrine but rather a reflection of Otto Skorzeny's approach to special operations, characterized by:

• Audacity and Daring:  A willingness to conceive and execute highly risky, often unprecedented missions (e.g., Mussolini's rescue).
• Deception and Ruses of War: Extensive use of elaborate deceptions, including impersonating enemy forces and using enemy equipment, to achieve surprise and sow confusion (e.g., Operation Greif during the Battle of the Bulge). This often pushed, and sometimes crossed, the boundaries of international law.
• Psychological Warfare: Operations were designed not just for physical impact but also for profound psychological effect on the enemy and, crucially, to boost the morale of his own side.
• Focus on High-Value Targets/Strategic Impact: Missions aimed at individuals or specific objectives that would have disproportionate strategic or political consequences.
• Improvised and Adaptive: Skorzeny was known for his adaptability and ability to improvise solutions in the field, often operating with significant autonomy.
• Personal Leadership: His operations were heavily reliant on his personal charisma, cunning, and direct leadership.

The SAS Doctrine (Codified Special Operations)

The SAS (Special Air Service), founded by David Stirling during WWII, developed a more formalized doctrine rooted in specific principles that have evolved over decades. Key tenets include:

• Selection and Training: A rigorous, highly selective process designed to identify individuals with extreme physical and mental resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance.
• Small Teams and Independence: Operations are often conducted by small, highly trained teams capable of operating independently for extended periods behind enemy lines.
• Surprise, Speed, and Violence of Action: These are core principles for direct action missions, overwhelming the enemy at the point of attack.
• Detailed Planning and Rehearsal: Meticulous planning, intelligence gathering, and realistic rehearsals are paramount to minimizing friction and ensure success. (This is a key element of McRaven's influential theory of special operations, which echoes early SAS principles).
• Adaptability and Initiative (Mission Command): While highly trained and briefed, SAS operators are empowered to use their initiative to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground, within the commander's intent.
• Discreet and Covert Operations: A strong emphasis on stealth and avoiding detection, especially in special reconnaissance and covert action roles.
• Intelligence Gathering: Integral to all operations, from planning to execution, for target acquisition and situational awareness.
• Unconventional Warfare (UW): Long-term engagement with indigenous forces, training, advising, and assisting them in resistance or insurgency against a common enemy. This is a core SAS capability, particularly historically.
• Counter-Terrorism (CT): A specialized and highly prominent role since the 1970s, demanding precision, speed, and often overt force.

Comparison: Similarities and Differences

Similarities:

1. Audacity and Risk-Taking: Both approaches embrace daring operations that deviate from conventional military tactics.
2. Focus on Relative Superiority: Both seek to achieve a decisive advantage over a numerically superior or well-defended enemy through tactics like surprise, speed, and specialized skills. As McRaven outlines, this involves simplicity, security, repetition, surprise, speed, and purpose – all elements found in successful Skorzeny operations and foundational to SAS methods.
3. High-Impact Operations: Both aim for missions that yield significant strategic, political, or psychological outcomes disproportionate to the size of the force employed.
4. Elite Personnel: Both require highly capable, adaptable, and determined individuals who can operate under extreme pressure.
5. Unconventional Methods: Both operate outside the strictures of conventional warfare, leveraging ingenuity and unorthodox tactics.

 Differences:

1.Ethical and Legal Boundaries

Skorzeny: Famously (and controversially) blurred lines regarding the laws of armed conflict, particularly with the use of enemy uniforms in combat (Operation Greif), which is considered perfidy under the Geneva Conventions if used to feign protected status during an attack. His methods were often expedient and disregarded established international norms.

SAS: Operates strictly within the framework of international law and the laws of armed conflict. While highly secretive and often covert, the SAS adheres to rules of engagement and maintains accountability to its government. Deception is used, but typically within the bounds of "ruses of war" (e.g., feints, camouflage, disinformation) rather than perfidy.

2 Institutionalization and Doctrine:

Skorzeny: His "doctrine" was largely personal, uncodified, and tied to his unique command within the SS. It was less about a reproducible, institutional approach and more about his personal genius (or notoriety).

SAS: Has a deeply ingrained, codified doctrine built on rigorous selection, standardized training, and established procedures. It's a professional military unit with a clear hierarchy and accountability. Its methods are taught, refined, and disseminated throughout the organization.

2. Mission Scope and Evolution:

Skorzeny: Primarily focused on direct action, special reconnaissance, and politically sensitive missions within the context of a declining Nazi regime.

SAS: Evolved from desert raiding and partisan support in WWII to encompass a broader spectrum of roles, including counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, and intelligence gathering, adapting to modern threats.

3. Long-Term Strategy vs. Immediate Impact:

Skorzeny: Often sought immediate, decisive impacts, sometimes without a clear long-term strategic follow-up, especially as the war turned against Germany.

SAS: While executing immediate tactical missions, these are typically integrated into broader strategic objectives, particularly in roles like counterinsurgency and foreign internal defense which require sustained engagement.

In essence, while Skorzeny demonstrated the “potential” of special operations through his audacious exploits, the SAS represents the “professionalization” and “institutionalization” of special operations, embedding similar tactical principles within a framework of rigorous training, ethical conduct (within military norms), and long-term strategic relevance.

The SAS, and indeed many modern special forces units, have likely studied Skorzeny's successes and failures, but they have built their capabilities on a foundation of discipline, accountability, and adherence to the laws of war, which Skorzeny often disregarded.

The "Skorzeny doctrine" and Yasser Arafat

As I was checking comments and posts on Facebook this AM I noticed where a Friend had posted. 

"Arafat was a follower of Otto Skorzeny of the Nazi era. He invented the use of the PLO style of terror. Skorzeny’s legacy is with us in the PLO and all the other Jihadists groups."

Background information: Who was Otto Skorzeny? 

Otto Johann Anton Skorzeny (12 June 1908 – 5 July 1975) was an Austrian-born German SS-Standartenführer in the Waffen-SS during World War II. 

During the war, he was involved in several operations, including the removal from power of Hungarian Regent Miklós Horthy and the Gran Sasso raid that rescued Benito Mussolini from captivity.

Skorzeny led Operation Greif, during the 1944 "Battle of the Bulge" in which German soldiers infiltrated Allied lines wearing their enemies' uniforms. 

As a result, he was charged in 1947 at the Dachau Military Tribunal with breaching the 1907 Hague Convention but was acquitted. Skorzeny escaped from an internment camp in 1948, hiding out on a Bavarian farm as well as in Salzburg and Paris. 

In 1953, he served as a military advisor to the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser. He was allegedly an advisor to Argentinian president Juan Perón.

In 1963 Skorzeny and other former Nazis were deceptively recruited by the Mossad to obtain information during "Operation Diamond" on German scientists who were working on an Egyptian project to develop rockets to be used against Israel.

When Skorzeny discovered the truth that those who had recruited him, and other "ex-Nazis" were, in actuality, members of the Israeli Mossad, he offered to help, and NOT disclose the truth to the other ex-Nazis, only if Wiesenthal removed him from his list of wanted war criminals and that the Mossad help him relocate to Spain and provide him "subsistence". 

Wiesenthal refused to "remove him from the list. But, according to senior Mossad agent Rafi Meidan, Skorzeny accepted the relocation and “subsistence” offer from Isser Harel and finally agreed to help anyway. 

Skorzeny died of lung cancer on 5 July 1975 in Madrid at the age of 67. 

The "Skorzeny doctrine"

The "Skorzeny doctrine" isn't a formally recognized military doctrine in the same way as, say, Blitzkrieg or Sun Tzu's principles. Instead, it refers to the utilization of unconventional warfare tactics, principles, and the personal philosophy associated with Otto Skorzeny, a highly controversial but effective SS commando during World War II.

Skorzeny became famous for several daring special operations, most notably the rescue of Benito Mussolini in 1943 (Operation Oak) and his involvement in Operation Greif during the Battle of the Bulge, where German soldiers infiltrated Allied lines wearing enemy uniforms to sow confusion and disruption.

While not a formal doctrine, the "Skorzeny doctrine" can be understood to embody the following characteristics:

• Emphasis on audacious special operations: - Skorzeny believed in highly specialized, often small-scale missions aimed at achieving strategic objectives through surprise, deception, and psychological impact. These operations often defied conventional military wisdom.
• Deception and irregular warfare: - A key element was the use of ruses of war, including wearing enemy uniforms, speaking their language, and using their equipment, to infiltrate and disorient the enemy. This often pushed the boundaries of international law regarding combatant status.
• Focus on high-value targets: -His missions often targeted critical individuals (like Mussolini or Hungarian Regent Miklós Horthy) or infrastructure to achieve significant political or military outcomes.
• Speed, surprise, and decisive action: Skorzeny’s operations were characterized by meticulous planning, rapid execution, and a willingness to take extreme risks to achieve their objectives before the enemy could react.
• "Relative superiority": Some analyses of special operations, influenced by figures like Skorzeny, suggest that success is achieved by creating a "relative superiority" through a simple, concealed, rehearsed plan executed with surprise, speed, and purpose, even when numerically inferior to the enemy.

Historical Context and Controversy:

It's crucial to understand that Skorzeny's methods, particularly the use of enemy uniforms in combat (as seen in Operation Greif), were highly controversial and led to his post-war trial for war crimes. While he was acquitted, the legality and ethics of such tactics remain debated under international law (specifically the Hague Conventions).

Despite the controversy, Skorzeny's exploits had a significant impact on the development of special operations forces globally, and his legacy continues to be studied in the context of unconventional warfare and intelligence operations.

Arafat and the "Skorzeny doctrine"

While Yasser Arafat's tactics and the "Skorzeny doctrine" both fall under the umbrella of unconventional or irregular warfare, it's not accurate to say Arafat "followed" Skorzeny's specific doctrine in a direct, doctrinaire sense. However, there are significant parallels in the types of tactics and principles they employed:

Similarities:

Emphasis on audacious, unconventional operations: Both Skorzeny and Arafat's organizations (like Fatah and its subgroups) engaged in highly visible, often shocking acts designed to achieve strategic impact and attract international attention. Skorzeny's rescue of Mussolini and Arafat's use of tactics like hijackings and the Munich Olympics attack serve as examples.

Deception and irregular warfare: Skorzeny was infamous for using enemy uniforms to sow confusion (Operation Greif). Arafat's groups also engaged in clandestine terrorist operations and by deception, used civilian clothing.

Arafat created a supposed PLO / Fatah subgroup, “The Black September Organization”, for clandestine terrorist attacks that the PLO / Fatah didn't want to be openly associated with, indicating a form of deceptive operation.

Focus on high-value targets (broadly defined): Skorzeny targeted individuals (Mussolini, Horthy, Tito) and critical infrastructure. Arafat's PLO / Fatah terrorist groups also often targeted Israeli civilians and symbols of the state to pressure for political objectives.

Psychological impact: Both Arafat and Skorzeny understood the power of their actions to create fear, disruption, and draw attention to their respective causes. Skorzeny's operations were designed to create confusion and demoralize the enemy. Arafat aimed to disrupt Israeli society and put the Palestinian cause on the global agenda through shocking acts of violence.

Operating from a position of "inferiority": Both Arafat's PLO / Fatah terrorists and Skorzeny’s units operated as smaller, less conventional forces against larger, established military powers, aiming to achieve "relative superiority" through surprise, speed, and specific tactics rather than overwhelming force.

Differences/Nuances:

Formal doctrine vs. pragmatic adaptation: Skorzeny's "doctrine" was more a collection of his personal approaches and principles, whereas Arafat's strategies evolved over time, shifting between armed struggle and diplomacy ("phased strategy"). While Arafat embraced armed struggle, he also engaged in political maneuvering and sought international recognition.

Goals: Skorzeny's operations were primarily military strategic within the context of a conventional war. Arafat's overarching goal was political: the establishment of a Palestinian state, often using armed struggle as a means to that political end.

Legal/Ethical Framework: Skorzeny's methods, particularly the use of enemy uniforms in combat, raised significant questions of international law. Arafat's embrace of certain forms of "terrorism" (as defined by many nations and organizations) also sparked widespread condemnation and controversy regarding their legality and ethics.

In summary, while Yasser Arafat did not explicitly "follow" the Skorzeny doctrine, his approach to armed struggle and unconventional warfare shared many common tactical and philosophical underpinnings with the methods associated with Skorzeny, particularly in their shared emphasis on daring, deceptive, and high-impact operations by smaller forces to achieve strategic aims.

 

Watermelon and Strawberries Lies

Face-Palm! 

Druze are being slaughtered in Syria and the trolls, those mentally challenged followers of the "Landless refugee decendants of the eunuchs of the Great Nachba" who suffer from profound Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) are filling "Social Media" with the claim that; "Gaza was a top exporter of strawberries and watermelons" 

And on top of this ludicrous fabrication they make the nefarious claim; That "Israel took everything from us." This ludicris claim is yet another distortion of historical truth lacking historical evidence!

Regarding strawberries:

The DOCUMENT TRUTH is that strawberry cultivation for export in Gaza may have been present earlier. However strawberry cultivation for export was particularly encouraged by Israeli authorities after 1967 following the Israeli liberation of former Mandated Area in the Six-Day War and the improvement in the water infrastructure and advent of "drip irrigation".

FACT: Historical sources indicate that countries like Egypt began cultivating strawberries during the reign of Mohamed Ali, which would be in the early to mid-19th century. These early efforts would have involved introducing the hybrid varieties that had been developed in Europe in the 18th century.

Todays modern strawberry is the result of a cross between two different species:

• Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry): Native to eastern North America. This species brought good flavor and fruitfulness to the mix.
• Fragaria chiloensis (Chilean strawberry): Brought from Chile to France by a French spy named Amédée-François Frézier in 1714. This species contributed the desired large size to the new hybrid.

So, while various wild strawberry species have been found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for centuries (including in Europe, North America, and South America), the large, juicy, and sweet strawberry that dominates commercial production today is a relatively modern creation, a product of intentional breeding in 18th-century Europe using parent plants from the Americas.

It is true that prior to 1967, citrus fruits were the dominant crop in northern Gaza. 

Citrus tree growth prior to Israel's liberation of the Gaza strip, was dependent on an inadequate water supplies drawn from wells and cisterns dependent on seasonal rainfall channeled by a traditional method, known as furrow irrigation, which involves creating channels (furrows) between crop rows to guide water flow to the citrus trees. 

This above ground supply of water method was susceptible to evaporation in the dry heat made citrus cultivation more expensive for Gazan farmers due to the massive and improper water use pulled from underground sources to irrigate the citrus groves.

It should be noted that Citrus fruits are not native to the Middle East, but originated in the Himalayan foothills. 

The citron which is referred to in Hebrew etrog (אֶתְרוֹג), was introduced to the area of the Fertile Crescent around the 2nd century BCE.  

The Etrog was brought "back" around 538 BCE and cultivated in Eretz Yisrael by Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity due to it's spiritual significance as one of the Four Species (Arba'ah Minim) used during the week-long holiday of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). 

Even today some Jews eat the etrog or make jam from it, believing it to be a segula (efficacious remedy) for an easy childbirth. It is also sometimes saved and candied for Tu BiShvat (the New Year for Trees).

Regarding Oranges: 

It was Arab conquerors who introduced the sour orange (from Asia) to the Mediterranean region 650CE.

But it was Portuguese traders who brought the sweet orange to the Mediterranean, and it was this form that became the Jaffa (Shamouti) orange that quickly gained popularity and became the basis for the region's prominent citrus industry. 

Regarding Watermelons:

Archaeological evidence, including seeds and paintings in Egyptian tombs, shows their cultivation in Egypt dating back over 4,000 to 5,000 years. From their origins in Africa, watermelons spread to the Middle East, including the Land of Israel, about 3,000 years ago. 

Wait, wasn't that when the Jews returned to Eretz Yirael from slavery in Egypt?  Could it be the same story as with the etrog?

Yes it is, because watermelons are even mentioned in the Old Testament (Numbers 11:5), where the Israelites, after leaving Egypt, lament missing the foods they had there, including watermelons. 

The Talmud also mentions watermelons multiple times, indicating their common consumption as a sweet fruit in ancient Israel

Revised Agriculture:

Once Israel gained control of the former Mandated Area, Israeli authorities constructed a new more modern water infrastructure and introduced Gaza farmers to the Israeli invention of "drip irrigation" which gave them the potential to shift to growing strawberries and flowers, which were higher-value crops with good export potential.

So, while there isn't one single "person" credited with introducing strawberries to the Middle East, let alone "Gaza. The growth in Gaza was a strategic shift in agricultural policy, encouraged by Israeli authorities after 1967, that led to strawberries becoming a significant crop and export for Gaza. Which the lower class Gazan farmers adopted and excelled at in their "labor intense" cultivation, turning them into "red gold" for the region.

It should also be noted that after Israel's 2005 "Disengagement", greenhouses with modernized water infrastructure were left for Gaza farmers. But immediately upon the withdrawal of the last Israeli the "Innocent civilians" of Gaza swarmed in in a wild frenzy, looting and destroying everything.  

So ladies and gentlemen just like the "False Narrative" of the "Great Nachba" the recent linking of the watermelon as a symbol of "Palestinian identity" due to the colors matching the Palestinian flag, is yet another mendacious fairy tale lie...

Elysium

So how was your day dear....WARNING - As old guy this rambles on.....

Well woke up, Oh how delightful! Yet, another day "expleted deleted"!!

Sat up, allowed my old broken bruised and abused body to realize that we are still on this side of the "Marble Garden" or as Maximus Decimus Meridius tells his troop in the movie Gladiator, that if they find themselves alone, in a peaceful, sunlit place, they are in Elysium, and they are already dead. 

I closed my eyes my old mind wandered off ...Ah yes Elysium..When I first heard this line from Gladiator by Maximus, whereby he tells his troops the story he is telling them that ;"That they are already dead, and he is essentially telling them to embrace their fate and fight without fear, as their potential death is not the end." This is how I have lived my life....

As for the "Wife" - she lived in "Her room". Once she retired, as an RN in our local Kupat Cholim (Sick Fund) as "THE" "Well Child" and "Yeladim" ) Children doctor's nurse and our aged cherished Mr Li aka Marley the family pet -the wifes baby- was put to sleep a year ago. The wife "moved on" to live in the "big city" of the "Greater Tel Aviv Area" to be near our youngest daughter, the VP of HR and IDF Captain officer, in the reserves to care for our second and youngest precious and utterly adorable grandson Tom born January 29th,2023.

So to continue, After my thought of Elysium I shook my old head and struggled to my feet and undressed. 

Went to the "Throne Room" did the "SSS" routine -for those who never donned a uniform -more explicitly "Walked the Walk"- it means shit, shower and shave. But because I have a beard I of course didn't shave. But hey some credit ladies I did brush what teeth I have left.... 

Went back to my room. Put on my "house clothes" slowly went down the steps downstairs ( I am handicapped).

As a "Older adult" I went to the fridge took out my insulin and the milk, took my daily regiment of pills injected my insulin and made and had my morning cup of coffee.

Place the milk and syringes of insulin back in fridge and took out my half-filled bottle of frozen water filled it from the Tami4 water bar.

On my way through my empty downstairs to the stairwell once full of my Kinder, who as in life spread their wings and have "flown the coup". 

I stopped and unlocked and opened the downstairs door and was greeted by Rustina -the copper colored neighborhood  Kitty Kat who comes to visit. I opened the container of dry cat food I keep in my entrance way and fed her and the others who gather to greet me. I replaced their water patted Rustina -who purred her approval and reentered my empty house.

I climbed back up the 17 steps to the upper floor. Walked the five paces to the entrance of what once was my oldest #1 son now Doctor David's old room. which has been my "Man Cave" for several years. 

I then climbed the four steps to the portion where my bed and desk with the computer are and sat down. 

As I sat down and turned on the computer, I stopped for a moment. I ask all of you who read this to consider your children and your grandchildren as you live in the "other world". 

My grandson as all of my grandchildren as well as my children and myself have lived these past two years under the immediate and very REAL threat of immediate death by the proxies of Iran, the Hezbollah and Hamas. 

For almost 18 months THOUSANDS of Iranian made copies of Chinese rockets were fired INDISCRIMINATLY by Hezbollah and Hamas and in the past year over 800 ballistic missiles from Iran! 

I have attempted to relay my feelings several times in videos of our situation...

All but a handful of you, my "Friends" on Facebook, have shown support and empathy ...

Your silence of those who have not commented reinforces OUR feeling that just like during the Holocaust we Jews are left to fend for ourselves....

Six Million Holocaust Victims

For years it has been my assertion, based on the Nazi regimes use of the Deutsche Hollerith Maschinen Gesellschaft, or Dehomag, and the fact that the Einsatzgruppen Schutzstaffel (SS) did NOT keep an accurate record of those Jews that they murdered in the implementation of the so-called Final solution to the Jewish question (Die Endlsung der Judenfrage), that more than 6 million Jews were exterminated in the Holocaust.

So I asked Gemini AI to verify my claim.

You are correct that the Nazi regime utilized the Deutsche Hollerith Maschinen Gesellschaft (Dehomag), a subsidiary of IBM, for various administrative and logistical purposes, including census operations that helped identify Jews and track their populations. This technology played a role in the systematic nature of the Holocaust, enabling the Nazis to manage and categorize their victims.

You are also correct that the Einsatzgruppen, the SS mobile killing squads, did not keep meticulous records of every single Jew they murdered in the "Holocaust by bullets" in Eastern Europe. Their killings were often carried out quickly and aimed at extermination, with efforts made to destroy evidence, such as exhuming mass graves and burning bodies.

However, the assertion that "more than 6 million Jews were exterminated in the Holocaust" due to these factors requires careful consideration of historical evidence. While it is true that exact figures are impossible to obtain due to the Nazis' efforts to conceal their crimes, the widely accepted figure of **six million Jews murdered** in the Holocaust is a result of extensive and rigorous historical research based on a combination of:

Nazi documents: 

Despite attempts to destroy evidence, a vast amount of Nazi documentation survived, including train manifests, census data, operational reports, and speeches, which provide crucial information about deportations, ghetto populations, and killings.

Nearly every Nazi concentration camp had a "Hollerith Abteilung" (Hollerith Department) that used these machines and punch cards to track prisoners. These cards recorded details like prisoner numbers, transfers, skills for forced labor, and even causes of death (though these were often falsified for those murdered).

These cards were primarily for managing inmate populations for forced labor and logistical purposes, rather than a direct "tally" of those being gassed or executed. The mass exterminations, particularly in the gas chambers, were often carried out with an intent to destroy evidence, making detailed punch card records of those specific acts unlikely to survive in large quantities.

The Nazis destroyed many records as the war drew to a close, including punch cards, to conceal their crimes. However, some records did survive.

Arguably the world's most comprehensive archive on the victims and survivors of Nazi persecution the Arolsen Archives at the International Center on Nazi Persecution (formerly International Tracing Service - ITS) located in Bad Arolsen, holds approximately 30 million documents related to:

• Concentration camps
• Forced labor
• Displaced persons
• Information on 17.5 million people persecuted by the Nazis.

The Arolsen Archives has been digitizing its vast collection, making much of it accessible online

Allied and post-war investigations:

• Allied forces meticulously documented the atrocities upon liberation of the camps, and post-war trials, like Nuremberg, relied heavily on captured Nazi documents and perpetrator testimonies.
• Victim testimonies: Survivors' accounts provide invaluable firsthand evidence of the horrific events.
•  Demographic analysis: Historians have compared pre-war Jewish populations with post-war numbers to estimate the scale of losses in different regions.
•  Forensic evidence: While many mass graves were exhumed and bodies burned, forensic investigations have still contributed to understanding the scope of massacres.

While the Einsatzgruppen's lack of precise record-keeping for every individual murder does introduce a degree of imprecision, their own reports and other German documents provide significant estimates of the numbers of people they killed. For instance, historians estimate the Einsatzgruppen killed over 1.4 million people, most of whom were Jews.

The figure of six million is a meticulously researched and widely accepted historical consensus, established by scholars and institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem. 

While it's possible the true number could be slightly higher or lower, the current figure is based on the best available evidence and is considered the most accurate representation of the catastrophe. Asserting "more than 6 million" without new, substantial evidence risks undermining the established historical understanding and is often associated with forms of Holocaust distortion.

Gaza Truth

I recently read a post by a Facebook friend where she writes about how since 2005 the Israeli government had tried to live alongside "innocent civilian residents" of Gaza and had tried to ease restrictions on them. 

So as a historian, and as a person who was very politically involved with many of the “makers and sayers”, and as someone who was actually involved in many of the aspect’s vis-vis Gaza the “Innocent Civilians of Gaza”.

I edited / rewote here what she wrote to reflect all the facts

Years ago, and I refer to the 1970's, we in Israel-the IDF- saw the hardships in the "Disputed Territories".

We at the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) allowed for the increase in the importation of construction materials for the construction of a fishing seaport, grey water purification, desalination plant, sewage -flood water system and expanded and revitalized electricity plant.

Additionally we decided to provide more work permits inside Israel so that the poorer residents specifically of the lower class could improve their and their families lives. 

As we were the Military government in control of the disputed territories prior to a negotiated peace. We strove to improve the lives of those lower class and "dirt poor" landless refugees -the UNWRA receipients- who had been settled by the  Jordanians as well as the Egyptians in squalid "Refugee Camps" .

As such we initiated the construction of proper water "clean water" as well as a proper sewage -and grey water- systems. 

We also built on and improved the hospital facilities as well as clinics. in ALL the "Disputed Areas"

Regretfully with the return of Arafat in the failed "Oslo Accords" and the murderous suicide attacks by the "Shebab" during the "Intifada" and accession of Hamas to power in 2007.  The dream of a "Just and Lasting Peace" a bubble of Western imposed "Kumbayaism" burst!

The threat of waves of murderous suicide attacks from Arab residents of the "Palestinian Areas" of Judaea and Shomron were thankfully curbed by the construction of the "Separation Wall" and increased checkpoints. 

Israel has faced "micro wars" every few years begun by "indiscriminant shelling and rocket fire" by not only Hamas but by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad as well.

In these  Hamas inspired "Micro Wars" the volume of indiscriminant shelling and rocket fire “on the "Gaza Envelope", Israeli towns and cities became more frequent and deadlier, as Chinese and Iranian munitions were smuggled in. 

From the ascension to power of the Jihadist fundamentalist Hamas, associated with the Muslim Brotherhood under Sheikh Ahmed Yasin, the true purpose of the Hamas leadership, was the planning, orchestrating and launching terror attacks to "expel and murder Jews". 

In the beginning we were terribly mistakenly mislead by Shiekh Yasmin's acts to improve the lives of the downtrodden lower clases and had once supported him before his true intentions were known to us.

It was Sheikh Yassin who personally gave his approval for the launching of Qassam rockets against Israeli cities, as well as for the numerous Hamas terrorist bombings and suicide operations. 

In his public appearances and interviews, Yassin called repeatedly for a continuation of the 'armed struggle' against Israel, and for an intensification of the terrorist campaign against its citizens.

During the period 2007-2025 military advisers, members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began to train and develop plans for a major assault on Israel just as they were doing with the members of Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

These plans based on "Asymmetric Warfare" inspired the network of underground terror tunnels and installations in both Lebanon and Gaza. The plans and preparations that resulted in the infamous butchery and slaughter of October 7th, 2023, were carried out in a secretive and complex manner just as the plans of the Yom Kippur War were made.

During this current "War", Prime Minister Netanyahu has often been accused of supporting the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza". The rationale behind this, was that the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza". who have systematically been abused as "cannon fodder /human shields" in the vain attempt to regain what they "lost" have been told for too long to direct their pain and anger at Israel and NOT towards their overly corrupt leadership. This pain and their loss is due to the fact that they have been brainwashed for way too long with the "False Narrative"

There are way to few in the world who have the moral dignity to see that in the past we Israelis have made numerous efforts for a "Just and Lasting Peace" such as the ill-fated 1995 Oslo Accords to "Win" the  "Hearts and minds" not only of the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza" but those of Judaea and Shomron to end this murderous cycle of death and destruction.

We know that when Israel "disengaged" from Gaza in 2005 we left behind substantial infrastructure for a successful future for Gazans. We literally provided the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza" several "hot house' complexes with intricate watering systems that produced millions of dollars’ worth of exports and 15% of Israel’s fruit and vegetable production. 

However, upon our "Disengagement" the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza" rushed in, in a frenzy of hatred and destroyed it all! 

Their utter frenzy of hatred was so intense that they even ripped out of the ground the entire underground water and sewage system of pipelines we had made and turned over! These same pipes were cut up and made into homemade Qassem rockets to murder Israelis by Hamas!

I have heard Arab voices talk about Gazans needing aspirations, needing to see what other Arabs achieve and live in Peace in order to want that. This, they say, could be a way to deradicalize. Give them hope for the future. 

But this is exactly what many of the fanatical residents adherents of the false narrative and Hamas do not want. 

It could all have been so different, no war, lives lived well, in peaceful collaboration with Israel. 

But that would have meant accepting the truth and Israel’s existence. For these extremists that is never going to happen.

Most of those who support the "Arabs of the Mandated Areas" still cling to the belief and do not accept that they -those who turned down the UNR181 Partition and lost in 1948, to those "Jews /Zionists" whom they see as subservient "Dhimmis". 

For them to accept Israel would mean a loss of "Arab Machismo”, the view that male chauvinism, male dominance and supremacy which is so overwhelmingly pervasive in many Arab societies.

So, it is no surprise that as much as everyone wants the hostage’s home as a priority, leaving Hamas in power means Israel will never have a "true peace". 

Even if the overwhelmingly vile vulgar eruption of Jew hatred, a byproduct of this war and continuation of that age old antisemitism will continue. 

Pressure must be put on other Arab nations to try to bring peace to Gaza by ousting Hamas. 

The Arab states have been muted in their response to Gaza, but now, for a real change to actually happen, they must get involved, if we are ever going to move forward. 

So, can it happen?

Or will something happen among those in the Arab world to cause them to wake up and realize the commercial and financial gain to be made by  intervening  tostop this senseless deadlock. 

We hear talk about those willing to join the “Abrahamic Accords” and that the “heartbreaking” situation with the "Innocent civilian residents of Gaza" must be finally resolved.

For this to finally happen, the Arab states will have to get their hands dirty. Not military, but realistically and diplomatically.

They need to comprehend that they-specifically those who were the members of the Arab League that participated in the Nachbah and collectively bear responsibility for this sad saga. They above all others need to awaken to the potential of prosperity for all those alongside Israel. 

To do that, they - the Arabs- have to become involved in the resolution of the situation "Gaza". 

So, the real burning question now is, "Which of any of our Arab neighbors be the first in the region step up?". 

• Will we see Trump pressure Qatar?
• Will the UAE have enough influence or Saudi Arabia?

We can only hope that at some point it will serve Arab countries enough to stop ignoring this situation and work to solve it.

Palestine? The Llinguistic origin of "Filastin" in Arabic

So "Who choose the "Term Palestine" for the area assigned Great Britain by the League of Nations as a Mandate? 

There are many historians who have stated that it was Sir Mark Sykes, who was an expert on the Middle East and familiar with its traditional nomenclature, that had played a highly significant role in the initial planning for the post-Ottoman Middle East and was an expert on the Middle East and familiar with its traditional nomenclature. 

Many historians have stated that Sykes was instrumental in the choosing of the term "Palestine" for the area assigned Great Britain by the League of Nations as a Mandate. But he wasn't solely responsible for  naming it "Palestine" in the context of the Mandate. 

Sykes certainly would have used the term "Palestine" informally, as it was the common geographical name in Western diplomatic and historical circles. 

Additionally, while the Balfour Declaration (1917) promised British support for a "national home for the Jewish people in Palestine," and Zionist organizations strongly advocated for "Eretz Yisrael" (Land of Israel), the British opted for "Palestine" as the official name of the Mandate. This was likely an attempt, at least on the surface, to maintain a degree of neutrality and not immediately endorse one group's national claim over another in the official designation of the administrative entity.

 However, the British did acknowledge Jewish wishes by agreeing that in Hebrew official documents, the word "Palestine" (פָּלֶשְׂטִינָה) would be followed by the initials Aleph-Yod (א״י), standing for "Eretz Yisrael" (ארץ ישראל).

In essence, the choice of "Palestine" was a blend of historical convention, practical administrative considerations, and an attempt to navigate the complex and conflicting promises made to both Arab and Jewish communities regarding the future of the land.

Regarding the status of the former Ottoman Turkish area of the Holyland called by cartographers as "Palestine" under Ottoman rule, one must emphasize its fragmented nature rather than a unified "Palestine" province. This point is indeed crucial for understanding the historical context leading up to the British Mandate.

First: The name the "Holyland", was the biblical name taken from the Hebrew term "Eretz HaKodesh" (Land of the Holy) and "indigeneity of the Jews":

"Eretz HaKodesh" (and also "Eretz Yisrael," Land of Israel) represents the geographical area correctly linked to the Jewish People Its deep significance as well as its historical and religious connection to the land, is fundamental to the  concept of Jewish indigeneity.

"The Land of Zion" is not just a geographical location but a powerful symbol that embodies the historical, religious, national, and eschatological aspirations tied to Jerusalem and the entire Land of Israel, particularly for the Jewish people. to the land of Zion. It is the very basis of "Zionism".

For generations for Jews in diaspora throughout history, "Zion" has been the ultimate symbol of their lost homeland and the hope for return. This deep historical and spiritual connection is central to understanding the Jewish people's relationship with the land.

This contrasts with the later, externally applied name "Palestine" used by Christian Cartographers where it became a common designation in Western (including Christian) cartography and discourse, solidifying its use in Europe over centuries. This was often divorced from the specific administrative realities on the ground under Ottoman rule.

Throughout the FOUR hundred year history of the Ottoman Empire (1516-1917), there NEVER WAS a single, unified Ottoman province named "Palestine".

While "Filastin" is the Arabic word for "Palestine," it is undeniable that the term "Palestine" (Palaestina) was famously applied to the province of Judea by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE, likely as a punitive measure after the defeat of the expulsion and enslavement of the Jews in the Bar Kochba revolt in 135CE as a means to sever the Jewish connection to the land.

Its journey into Arabic is not directly from the Latin New Testament:

• Ancient Roots: The name's roots are much older than the Latin New Testament.
• It traces back to ancient Egyptian records ("Peleset") and Hebrew ("Plishtim"), referring to the Philistines, a "Sea People" who settled the coastal region.
• The Ancient Greeks were the ones who truly popularized "Palaistínē" (Παλαιστίνη) in their writings (e.g., Herodotus in the 5th century BCE) to refer to the broader coastal land.
• Roman Solidification: The Romans solidified "Syria Palaestina" as an administrative name in the 2nd century CE. This Latin form is where the modern English "Palestine" directly comes from.

Arabic Adoption ("Filastin"): When Muslim armies conquered the region in the 7th century CE, they encountered a region already known by its Greek/Roman designation, "Palaestina." The Arabic word "Filastin" (فلسطين) is an Arabized form of the Greek/Roman "Palaestina." Arabic, like many Semitic languages, doesn't have the "P" sound, so it's typically rendered with an "F" sound (ف).

Early medieval Arab geographers and historians commonly used "Filastin" to refer to one of the districts (jund) of Bilad al-Sham (Greater Syria) during the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. Its usage was largely administrative and geographical.

The name "Palestine" referred to the geographical area name used by locals and outsiders. 

So why is the term "Palestine" not taken from Latin New Testament"?

Well mainly because the New Testament itself (originally written in Greek, later translated into Latin) does not use "Palestine" to refer to the entire region in the same administrative or geographical sense that the Romans later imposed. It uses terms like Judea, Galilee, Samaria, etc.

The term "Palaestina" was a post Bar Kochba revolt Roman administrative designation, which was then inherited and transliterated into Arabic. It wasn't specifically a term from the Latin New Testament.

There NEVER was a pre-existing "Palestinian State", no "state of Palestine" or a single "Palestinian" administrative entity in the modern sense under Ottoman rule. 

The administrative divisions were based on Ottoman imperial logic, not on a pre-existing national identity.

In the aftermath of the "rise of nationalism" a sense of regional identity emerged among the "Western educated"  Arabs the administrative fragmentation meant that a unified "Palestinian" national consciousness, distinct from broader "Southern Syria" or Arab identities, developed more significantly in the late Ottoman period and especially under the British Mandate, in response to Zionist immigration and later, the prospect of an independent Jewish state.

Complex Boundaries: 

When the British Mandate for Palestine was drawn up after WWI, its boundaries encompassed areas that had previously been under different Ottoman administrative units. This was a new political construct, drawing lines that did not perfectly align with pre-existing Ottoman internal divisions.

Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem's Significance: 

The  "Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem" (also known as the Sanjak of Jerusalem or "Kudüs-i Şerif Mutasarrıflığı"): This was a special independent district directly reporting to Constantinople (Istanbul), the Ottoman capital. It covered Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jaffa, and Gaza. Its special status was due to the unique religious importance (to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) in the Ottoman Empire's eyes, distinguishing it from other areas that fell under broader provincial administrations like Beirut or Damascus.

Another critical aspect of the history of the former Ottoman Turkish area of the "Holyland", is that  the area was  not a single, unified administrative province under the name "Palestine." Instead, it also included the several administrative units:     

• From the "Vilayet of Beirut" (including the Sanjaks of Acre and Nablus). This covered much of the Galilee and the northern West Bank.
• And a smaller part of the "Vilayet of Syria" (Damascus).

While "Palestine" (or "Filastin" in Arabic) was not an official administrative province, it was a widely recognized geographical term in the region, particularly among Arabs and Europeans. 

Cartographers, travelers, and local populations used it to refer to the area roughly encompassing the Holy Land. Ottoman maps themselves sometimes used "Filastin" to label areas, particularly the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem.

Towards the end of the 19th century, among the educated Arab classes in the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem, there was a growing sense that "Palestine" or the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem formed a distinct political entity, contributing to the later development of a Palestinian national identity.

Judeo-Bolshevism

The idea of "Jewish communism" or "Judeo-Bolshevism" is an antisemitic conspiracy theory that distorts this historical reality for nefarious purposes.

Though it is a historical fact that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries a notable number of Jews were involved in communist movements, it's crucial to approach this topic with nuance, avoiding generalizations and recognizing the complexities involved.

So why were there Jews consistently invovled in communism?

It's a historical fact that a notable number of Jewish individuals were involved in communist movements, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

It is also crucial to approach this topic with nuance, by recognizing that many Jews were consistently involved in social and liberal causes which can be attributed to a combination of deeply rooted religious values, historical experiences, and intellectual traditions.

One should also take into consideration the complexities and history of Jewish marginalization and condemnation by Christianity.

The idea of drawing special attention to the Jews by the terms "Jewish communism" or "Judeo-Bolshevism" is a vile antisemitic conspiracy theory that distorts historical reality for nefarious purposes.

Here are some of the key reasons and factors that contributed to Jewish involvement in communism:

1. The Historical Context of Oppression and Marginalization: 

In Eastern Europe, particularly the Russian Empire, Jews faced severe state-sponsored persecution, including violent pogroms, legal discrimination, forced settlement in "the Pale of Settlement" and by economic hardship. Communism, with its promise of a classless society free from oppression, appealed to many who saw it as a path to liberation from this systemic antisemitism.

Jews were often excluded from traditional mainstream society, professions, and land ownership. This pushed many into intellectual pursuits or urban trades, where radical ideas found fertile ground.

The rapid social and economic changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combined with centuries of marginalization, many who had survived extreme predjudice, pogroms felt dislocated. Many Jews sought a new, universalistic identity that transcended ethnic or religious boundaries and they believed Communism offered such a vision.

2. Appeal of Communism's Ideals:

As Communism preached a powerful message of a vision of a world where all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or class, would be equal. As a people that had long suffered discrimination Jews welcomed the message.

Many aspects of communist ideology resonated with the Jewish prophetic tradition of social justice, advocating for the poor less fortunate, the oppressed, and the workers. 

The Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) concept, with its emphasis on creating a more just society, could be interpreted as aligning with revolutionary aims by some.

For many Jews who lived under oppressive tsarist regimes or in societies rife with antisemitism. The revolutionary goals of communism offered hope for dismantling the very structures that persecuted them. The Bolshevik Revolution, in particular, was initially seen by many as ending the official antisemitism of the tsarist era.

3. Involvement in Labor Movements: 

Many Jewish immigrants from Europe to America during the later part of the 19th Century were as all lower classes,  concentrated in industrial centers. These new immigrants of the lower classes worked in difficult conditions in industries, like the garment trades. 

This led to significant to the involvement of Jews in labor unions and socialist movements, which often had communist wings or evolved into communist parties.

For those of the lower classes and immigrants who experienced the harsh realities of the cynical misuse of workers  - firsthand by "industrial capitalism" in the later part of the Industrial Revolution. 

The ideas of socialism and communism offered a radical solution to the economic exploitation and inequality of the "less fortunate".

The involvement of Jews in the Labor movement stemmed from a combination of factors, including their experiences as immigrants facing challenging working conditions and their commitment to social justice and worker rights. 

Some of the prominent figures in the American labor movement,were:

• Samuel Gompers, who was born to Dutch-Jewish parents who became the first president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). 
• David Dubinsky, who was President of the ILGWU for over three decades, he was a strong advocate for worker rights and social justice. 
• Sidney Hillman who was President of the ACWA, he was also a leader in the JLC and a key figure in the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). 
• Rose Schneiderman who was a prominent leader in the women's labor movement, she played a key role in advocating for protective labor legislation for women. 

4. Intellectual Traditions: Emphasis on Education and Critical Thought:

Jewish culture has always had a strong tradition of intellectual inquiry and debate. This emphasis on education fostered an environment where complex political theories, including Marxism, could be rigorously discussed and embraced by some.

 Secularization: As some Jews moved away from traditional religious observance, communism offered an alternative secular ideology that provided meaning, community, and a framework for understanding and changing the world.

5. Prominent Figures: 

Though Karl Marx was of he was of Jewish descent, had a complex and at times problematic relationship with his Jewish heritage and he wrote critically about aspects of Judaism. His intellectual legacy formed the basis of communism.

Leon Trotsky, Grigory Zinoviev, Lev Kamenev, all of Jewish origin, were prominent figures in the early Bolshevik leadership. Their high-profile roles, though not representative of all Jews, contributed to the perception (and the antisemitic myth) of disproportionate Jewish influence.

It is highly important to note and crucial to remember, that even at the peak of Jewish involvement, the vast majority of Jews were NOT communists! 

Those Jews, who joined communist parties, represented a minority from within the Jewish population and an even smaller minority within the broader population.

Despite some initial promises, communist regimes, especially under Stalin, became deeply antisemitic. 

Jewish cultural and religious institutions were suppressed, and many Jewish communists themselves became victims of purges (e.g., the Doctors' Plot). This later led to widespread disillusionment among many Jewish communists and former sympathizers.

Many Jewish individuals had joined communist movements for a wide range of reasons, from genuine ideological conviction and a desire for social justice to personal ambition or a belief that it offered the best hope for Jewish survival.

Nazism -antiSemitism and the slander of "Judeo-Bolshevism"

As Germany faced defeat in WWI, widespread unrest and revolutionary fervor led to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918. A new democratic government the Weimar Republic was established and its constitution was drafted in the city of Weimar (hence the name). This marked Germany's first attempt at a constitutional republic.

In post World War I Germany, the economy of Germany collapsed there were several prominent Jewish individuals who played key roles in the German communist movement.  

Kurt Eisner was a Jewish socialist who led the Independent Socialist Party (USPD) and the initial revolutionary government in Bavaria, became Minister-President of the newly proclaimed People's State of Bavaria after the German monarchy's collapse. He was assassinated in February 1919.

Rosa Luxemburg was a Marxist theorist and revolutionary. Luxemburg co-founded the Spartacus League, which later became the Communist Party of Germany (KPD). She was a vocal critic of the war and advocated for socialist revolution. She was murdered in January 1919 during the suppression of the Spartacist uprising. 

Eugen Leviné was a communist leader that played a prominent role in the Bavarian Soviet Republic, serving on its central council. He was executed after the republic's suppression. 

Ernst Thälmann rose to become a leading figure in the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), eventually serving as its chairman. He was allied with the party's left wing and became a member of the politburo in 1924. 

These individuals, among others, contributed to the complex political landscape of post-World War I Germany, where the rise of communism and the legacy of the war fueled intense social and political upheaval.

In conclusion, 

Jewish involvement in communism was a complex historical phenomenon driven by a confluence of socio-economic conditions, the appeal of communist ideals for an oppressed minority, and a shared intellectual and cultural heritage that often valued social justice and radical thought. However, it's vital to distinguish this historical reality from the antisemitic canard of "Jewish communism," which falsely blames Jews for the evils of communist regimes and seeks to perpetuate stereotypes.