Introduction

The concept of a Jewish state is often misunderstood. Many believe that if there are Jews living in various countries, there cannot be just one; that any dispersion of Jews across the globe negates the existence of a single, unified Jewish state. However, this notion overlooks the historical and religious significance of the land of Israel, also known as the Holy Land, and the unique circumstances that have shaped the Jewish identity and statehood. This article explores the reasons why there is only one Jewish state from a contemporary Jewish perspective.

Historical and Religious Context

In the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Books of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This tract of land, known in religious texts as the Promised Land, comprises much of present-day Israel, the West Bank, and parts of Jordan and Lebanon. The religious significance of this land for Jews is profound, serving as a foundation for their understanding of their history, culture, and national identity.

Regardless of where Jews have lived throughout history, the spiritual connection to the land of Israel remains constant. This connection was reinforced during the Exodus from Egypt and the wandering in the wilderness, further cementing the land's importance as a holy place.

The Dispersion of the Jews

After the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the subsequent Bar Kochba revolt in 135 CE, many Jews were expelled from the Holy Land. Over the centuries, the Jewish people were dispersed across the globe, often due to persecution, economic pressures, and other historical events. Not all Jews chose to stay in Europe and North Africa; some migrated to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Americas.

For example, my grandfather was born in Georgia, USA, and my father's cousin is married to a man whose Jewish family immigrated from France. These stories highlight the diverse dispersion of Jewish communities worldwide. Despite this dispersion, the land of Israel continues to hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Jews, symbolizing both their past and future.

The British Mandate and Modern Israel

One of the significant turning points in the establishment of a Jewish state came with the British Mandate for Palestine, established after World War I. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 expressed the British government's support for the creation of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, subject to certain conditions. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly approved the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, leading to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

Given the view of the land of Israel as a holy and ancestral homeland, the establishment of the State of Israel provided a tangible connection to their historical and religious roots. This connection is deep and enduring, regardless of where Jews live or originate from. The state of Israel serves as a fulfillment of the promise made to the Jewish people and remains central to their national identity.

Conclusion

While the Jewish people are indeed found in various parts of the world, there is only one Jewish state: the State of Israel. This is because the land of Israel holds a unique and irreplaceable place in Jewish history, religion, and culture. The dispersion of the Jews throughout the world does not diminish this connection; rather, it enriches and strengthens it.