To what extent is the creation of Israel, in his words, "a ghetto in a small corner of a vast Muslim sea"
On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Guiron the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the state of Israel. This was the official beginning to what Isaac Asimov referred to as, “a ghetto in a small corner of a vast Muslim sea”. There is no question that the Arabs in the surrounding states, especially Palestine, were not happy with the ethically questionable creation of a Jewish state; therefore, referring to Israel as a ghetto has legitimacy to a certain extent. Ghetto by definition is a separate area occupied by a specific minority group. The word carries a negative connotation, and implies that Israel is a scourge to the surrounding area. By analyzing the word “ghetto” it is fair to say that Israel can be defined as one in a larger view of the Middle East as a whole. This is because the creation of Israel caused both religious and political conflict in the area, yet the creation of Israel can be seen as a positive thing by countries such as the US.
Even before the partition of Palestinian land by the UN in 1947, Israel and its Muslim neighbors have had many political issues. These conflicts, often resulting in war, have given Israel a negative reputation. These conflicts are born from the notion that Israel should not exist as state because they had no right to take control of Palestinian land. After such conflicts as the 6-Day War and the Suez Crisis the Israelis were viewed as an even larger scourge to the Levant region. This was because Israel attacked Egypt and took the Sinai Peninsula and claimed that it was a defensive initiative. This caused greater political conflict with Israel and its surrounding states. After these events Israel was disliked strongly by the “vast Muslim sea” therefore justifying referring to Israel as a “ghetto”.
In addition, Israel is viewed negatively in the Middle East because of the religious conflict caused during its creation and the years that followed. The religious conflict is similar to the political conflict because the Muslims believe that the Jews have no right to form a state on Palestinian land. This has caused very large issues with regards to Jerusalem and who deserves to posses the holy city. Israel has caused religious diversity in the region; however, the Muslims believe that Jews do not belong on Palestinian land and therefore view Israel negatively.
Contrasting the previous views, countries such as the US would strongly disagree with labeling Israel as “ghetto”. The US sees Israel as an ally that can be a link in the Middle East. This is seen through the various supports the US had provided Israel with throughout history: weapons, money, etc. The US has a positive view of Israel; they would describe Israel as a partner, friend, and ally-- rather than a ghetto.
Long before inception Israel caused conflict in the Middle East as it fought for statehood. After it was official recognized as a state these conflicts escalated with the neighboring Arab states. Those countries with political conflicts, or those people who disagree with the Jewish religion would view the quote by Isaac Asimov that refers to Israel as, “a ghetto in a small corner of a vast Muslim sea” as true. However, countries such as the US that view the creation of Israel as a positive thing and therefore would not agree with Israel being described as a “ghetto”. Whether Israel could be described as a “ghetto” is dependent on the perspective, if you view Israel negatively then referring to it with this word would be justified this is simply due to the negative connotation of the word “ghetto”.
On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Guiron the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the state of Israel. This was the official beginning to what Isaac Asimov referred to as, “a ghetto in a small corner of a vast Muslim sea”. There is no question that the Arabs in the surrounding states, especially Palestine, were not happy with the ethically questionable creation of a Jewish state; therefore, referring to Israel as a ghetto has legitimacy to a certain extent. Ghetto by definition is a separate area occupied by a specific minority group. The word carries a negative connotation, and implies that Israel is a scourge to the surrounding area. By analyzing the word “ghetto” it is fair to say that Israel can be defined as one in a larger view of the Middle East as a whole. This is because the creation of Israel caused both religious and political conflict in the area, yet the creation of Israel can be seen as a positive thing by countries such as the US.
Even before the partition of Palestinian land by the UN in 1947, Israel and its Muslim neighbors have had many political issues. These conflicts, often resulting in war, have given Israel a negative reputation. These conflicts are born from the notion that Israel should not exist as state because they had no right to take control of Palestinian land. After such conflicts as the 6-Day War and the Suez Crisis the Israelis were viewed as an even larger scourge to the Levant region. This was because Israel attacked Egypt and took the Sinai Peninsula and claimed that it was a defensive initiative. This caused greater political conflict with Israel and its surrounding states. After these events Israel was disliked strongly by the “vast Muslim sea” therefore justifying referring to Israel as a “ghetto”.
In addition, Israel is viewed negatively in the Middle East because of the religious conflict caused during its creation and the years that followed. The religious conflict is similar to the political conflict because the Muslims believe that the Jews have no right to form a state on Palestinian land. This has caused very large issues with regards to Jerusalem and who deserves to posses the holy city. Israel has caused religious diversity in the region; however, the Muslims believe that Jews do not belong on Palestinian land and therefore view Israel negatively.
Contrasting the previous views, countries such as the US would strongly disagree with labeling Israel as “ghetto”. The US sees Israel as an ally that can be a link in the Middle East. This is seen through the various supports the US had provided Israel with throughout history: weapons, money, etc. The US has a positive view of Israel; they would describe Israel as a partner, friend, and ally-- rather than a ghetto.
Long before inception Israel caused conflict in the Middle East as it fought for statehood. After it was official recognized as a state these conflicts escalated with the neighboring Arab states. Those countries with political conflicts, or those people who disagree with the Jewish religion would view the quote by Isaac Asimov that refers to Israel as, “a ghetto in a small corner of a vast Muslim sea” as true. However, countries such as the US that view the creation of Israel as a positive thing and therefore would not agree with Israel being described as a “ghetto”. Whether Israel could be described as a “ghetto” is dependent on the perspective, if you view Israel negatively then referring to it with this word would be justified this is simply due to the negative connotation of the word “ghetto”.