Time to Make Gaza Jewish Again

We continue to receive reports of tremendous pressure from the Biden administration and from some Israeli security officials that the IDF should pull out completely from Gaza and agree to a ceasefire deal.

Israel agreeing to a ceasefire at this time would mean appeasing the demands of Hamas, to only allow a handful of our captives to be freed. It would be Israel, in essence, surrendering to Hamas. It would mean surrendering to Hamas with Israelis still held hostage. Such a ceasefire would empower Israel’s enemies in the region, as they would see us as too weak to stand up to international pressure stopping us from accomplishing our two main war goals – the destruction of Hamas and ending Hamas’ ability to rule in Gaza. 

While the West puts extreme pressure on Israel, the policies are based on false facts, and a narrative about this region that erases history. Historically, Gaza is not Arab. Gaza has a rich Jewish history, going back centuries before Mohammad introduced Islam to the world. This uncomfortable truth is evident in both the roots of the people living in Gaza today, and the proof of the Jews as indigenous to the region going back thousands of years. 

As Hamas Minister of Interior and National Security Fathi Hammad stated on Egyptian TV back in March 2012: “Half of [today’s] Palestinian Arabs are Egyptians, and the other half are Saudis.”

Gaza is often viewed through the prism of contemporary conflict, overshadowing its deep-rooted historical significance to the Jewish people. While the modern discourse frequently neglects the Jewish connection to Gaza, the historical record is replete with evidence of a profound and enduring link. From ancient times to the 20th century, the Jewish presence in Gaza is a testament to an enduring heritage that is frequently overlooked or ignored. It’s time to shed light on this pivotal aspect of history and reaffirm the Jewish connection to this ancient city.

Gaza in Biblical and Temple Times

The story of Gaza begins in the Bible, where it is one of the five Philistine cities mentioned in the context of the Israelites’ historical narrative. Although often depicted as a Philistine stronghold, Gaza was a city where Jewish communities resided and interacted. During the times of the First and Second Temples, Gaza served as a significant trade and cultural hub. The ancient Jewish presence in Gaza was not merely a historical footnote but an integral part of the city’s dynamic. (NB: While some people today say that the Palestinian Arabs of today are descendants of the Biblical Philistines, there is no historical timeline to prove such lineage, and it does not make sense since the Biblical Philistines were a seafaring people, whereas the Arabs who call themselves Palestinians today are Arabs, originating from across the Middle East of Arabia, as British Mandate immigration records clearly prove.)

The Mosaic of 508 AD: A Hidden Gem

One of the most striking pieces of evidence for the Jewish connection to Gaza is the ancient mosaic found in the Gaza Mosque, which was once a Jewish synagogue, reflecting the true story of Gaza – with a strong Jewish history centuries before Islam was even created by Mohammad in the 7th century. Dating back to 508 AD, this mosaic is a remarkable artifact that provides a glimpse into Gaza’s Jewish heritage. The mosaic, discovered during renovations of the mosque, depicts intricate Jewish symbols and inscriptions, highlighting the synagogue’s historical significance.

Today, this mosaic can be seen at the Museum of the Good Samaritan in Israel, a poignant reminder of Gaza’s once vibrant Jewish community. Its presence not only underscores the Jewish historical connection to Gaza but also reflects the city’s role as a cultural crossroads.

The Song of Ka Ribon: Rabbi Israel Najara’s Legacy

In the early 17th century, Rabbi Israel Najara, the Chief Rabbi of Gaza City, composed the renowned hymn “Ka Ribon.” This song, sung every Friday night by Jews all over the world for centuries, has become a cherished part of Jewish liturgical music and reflects the deep spiritual and cultural ties that Jews maintained with Gaza. Rabbi Najara’s contributions to Jewish liturgy and his role in Gaza underscore the city’s importance in Jewish religious life during his time.

Revival of Gaza Following the Spanish Inquisition

Following the Spanish Inquisition, which led to the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews sought refuge in various parts of the Ottoman Empire, including Gaza. In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Jews began to settle in Gaza, revitalizing the city’s Jewish community that had existed in earlier periods but had dwindled. This new wave of Jewish settlers established a vibrant community, contributing to the city’s economic and cultural life. They engaged in trade, established synagogues, and maintained religious and educational institutions. 

Jewish Life in Early 20th Century Gaza

In the early 20th century, Jewish life in Gaza was a testament to the resilience and continuity of Jewish presence in the city. Despite facing challenges and violence, Jewish communities thrived and contributed to Gaza’s economic and cultural landscape. However, as tensions escalated and violence erupted from the neighboring Arab Muslim population, many Jews were forced to flee, leaving behind a community that had been an integral part of Gaza’s history.

The 1970s: The Return of Jews to Gaza

In the 1970s, under the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his left-wing Labor government, efforts were made to re-establish a Jewish presence in Gaza. This policy, driven by a desire to secure and protect all of Israel by strengthening a hold on all of Gaza, saw the return of Jewish resettlement. The goal was to enhance the region’s development and integrate it more closely with Israel’s national framework. Despite these efforts, spurred by a security understanding of the need for Israel to settle Gaza and be responsible for the security there, the international and internal pressure for Israel to remove all Jewish presence in Gaza led to the Israeli government expelling close to 10,000 Jewish civilians in Gaza and destroying all 21 Jewish communities in 2005. The Gaza disengagement was implemented in order to try to achieve peace by the Arabs in Gaza having no Jews living in the area, and it led to the end of the modern presence of Jews in Gaza.

A Neglected History: The Importance of Acknowledgment

The world’s frequent disregard for the Jewish connection to Gaza is not just an oversight but a disservice to the complex and nuanced history of the region. The historical evidence—from ancient temples and synagogues to Rabbi Najara’s hymn and early 20th-century Jewish communities—provides a rich tapestry that illustrates the deep ties between the Jewish people and Gaza.

Acknowledging this information is crucial not only for historical accuracy but also for fostering a more balanced and informed discussion about the region. By acknowledging the Jewish connection to Gaza, we honor the history and contributions of the Jewish community in this ancient area and provide a fuller understanding of the region’s past. 

It is time that the world recognizes and respects this heritage, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Gaza’s Jewish history is acknowledged and preserved for future generations.

As Israel is pressured to propose a solution for “the day after ” Israel destroys Hamas in Gaza, this Jewish history of Gaza can no longer be ignored or denied by Israel or the Jewish people. 

Gaza is more Jewish than Arab and that must be taken into consideration.

While international pressure is already being placed upon Israel to make Gaza Jew-free again after the war, there are security voices in Israel, like IDSF Director Amir Avivi, who clearly explain the security need for Israel to resettle Gaza with Jewish communities. He and other experts aver that only with Jewish communities in Gaza can Israel secure Israel, returning to the security understanding of PM Rabin and his left-wing Labor government back in the 1970s.

It is time to make Gaza Jewish again, not just as the only security solution to end the terror against us from Gaza for good, but because it is historically Jewish, and that is the just, moral, and historically accurate thing to do.