Israel: Birth of a Nation
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Martin GilbertBrand: A&E
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-09-27
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: A&E Home Video
Movie Reviews of Israel: Birth of a Nation
Movie Review: Okay - But -
Summary: 1 Stars
I suppose you're reviewing this and considering buying something that'll give you some worthwhile history. Well, here's the "bottom line" - pass on this one and get a copy of "Israel - A Nation Is Born", which is narrated by Abba Eban - "A Personal Witness". Take my word on it, that DVD stands head and shoulders above this one!
Summary of Israel: Birth of a Nation
Sir Martin Gilbert hosts this compelling look at Israel's first three years, featuring never-before-seen footage and eyewitness accounts of the nation's birth. |
Israel: Birth of a Nation
Fifty years ago the United Nations passed a resolution which partitioned Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, and the state of Israel was officially born. Dislocated after the turmoil and horrific events of World War II and the Holocaust, hundreds of thousands of Jews streamed into Israel to find peace and safety in their newly declared official homeland. But the area given to the state of Israel was taken at the expense of the Arabs in the region, causing a bitter animosity between these two peoples that continues to the present day. This documentary provides an account and analysis of the formation of the nation of Israel and the trials and tribulations of establishing a Jewish state in Palestine, and the inevitable Arab-Israeli war that followed. Israel: Birth of a Nation would be useful for classes on World History, the Middle East, Religion, World Culture and Political Science. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Part 1
Vocabulary
. abstain
. beleaguered
. coalition
. colleagues
. convoy
. emissary
. euphoric
. havoc
. kibbutz
. manifestation
. onslaught
. partisan
. siege
. simulated
. simultaneously
. sovereignty
. strategic
. tumultuous
. unanimous
. venture
Discussion Questions
1. The impetus for Zionists to establish a Jewish state vastly increased during the 20th century. Why did Jews feel it was so important to establish a state? What is the significance of the state being established in Palestine?
2. What is meant by a mandate? How is this term used politically? Why did Great Britain possess a mandate Palestine in the aftermath of World War I?
3. The United Nations resolution that created Israel flamed centuries-old antagonisms between Arabs and Jews. Why is there, and why has there been, such animosity between these two peoples? Who is entitled to Palestine?
4. Discuss the contributions of David Ben-Gurion in the creation and establishment of the state of Israel.
5. Why were the "iron skeletons" left on "Sha'ar Hagai," the road to Jerusalem?
6. Over six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. What did the establishment of a Jewish State mean to those who had survived the Holocaust?
7. Great Britain limited Jewish immigration to Palestine during its British occupation. Why do you think Great Britain did this? How did this affect Jews trying to flee the horrors of Hitler's Europe?
8. Discuss how women were a part of the establishment of Israel. How do Jewish and Arab cultural ideas about women differ? Why do you think women were more involved in politics and warfare in Israel than in other countries?
Extended Activities
1. Divide the class into two sections and assign each section a pro-Arab or pro-Israeli stance and moderate a debate on the occupation and possession of Palestine.
2. On an outline map of the Middle East, mark off the area of Palestine and highlight/indicate the areas that belong to Israel and the areas that belong to the Arabs. Use your findings to discuss how the geographic boundaries of the states help fuel Arab-Israeli animosities.
Part 2
Vocabulary. acquiesce
. armistice
. dispersed
. dissident
. emissary
. exhilaration
. logistics
. paltry
. potent
. procurement
. somber
. spontaneity
. vulnerable
Discussion Questions
1. Israelis considered the Arab-Israeli war a "terminal war." What does this term mean? Why did the Israelis consider this war a "terminal war?"
2. Jerusalem is one of the most famous cities in the world, and one of the most contested sits. Why is Jerusalem such a contested site? What is the significance of this city? Discuss how Jerusalem is an integral part of the three of the world's greatest religions.
3. Discuss the importance of airplanes for Israeli in the Arab-Israeli war.
4. The ship Altalena smuggled in arms and supplies to Israel. How did these supplies create tensions among the Israelis that almost resulted in a civil war?
5. Research and discuss the careers and influence of Israeli patriots such as Moshe Dayan, Golda Meir, Menachem Begin, and Yizhak Rabin.
6. What is the basis of Israel's Citizen Army and how and why was it established?
7. This year marked the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the nation of Israel. Discuss some of the political and national advances made by Israeli in the last century. What has been Israel's influence on the rest of the world?
8. Arab-Israeli relations have always been strained at best. Discuss the current state of these relations and what you think the future might hold for these two peoples.
Extended Activities
1. Create a timeline that chronicles Israel's history for the last fifty years.
2. Imagine that you were a soldier in the Israeli Army during the Arab-Israeli War. Write down your experiences and feelings at the creation of Israel and the subsequent war so your grandchildren will have a first-hand account of the historic time.
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