To What Extent Did the Holocaust Impact the Development of the State of Israel?

Author: Penina Kahane

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Faculty Mentors: Shay Rabineau, Jonathan Hagofsky

Easel: 9

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: A point of debate is whether the Holocaust led to the development of the State of Israel. This paper takes the stance that the State of Israel would have been established regardless of the Holocaust. However, the Holocaust acted as a catalyst that propelled Israel to declare independence in 1948. The paper will examine the situation in the pre-WWI Ottoman Empire, the Zionist movement before 1917, and the British stance prior to WWII. The year 1945 will serve as a turning point in addressing the extent to which the Holocaust influenced the 1948 declaration of independence. The roles of the British, United States, USSR, and United Nations will be analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Additionally, the paper will explore the Arab perspective. By understanding the role the Holocaust played, we can gain a deeper insight into international policy and the complexities of the modern-day Israeli-Palestinian conflict.