The Birth of Israel • ©2008 BBC (full documentary)

"Israeli Arabs are generally non-assimilating and reside in villages where they administer their own municipal and internal affairs. They run their own schools, where Arabic, an official language of Israel, is the language of instruction. They govern their religious courts, which adjudicate matters relating to marriage and divorce. However, they have been greatly influenced by Israeli culture, incorporating aspects of it into their own. They learn and speak Hebrew fluently, watch Israeli television programs and read Hebrew newspapers. Arab companies are listed and active on the Israeli stock exchange. Also, young Israeli Arabs have adopted many practices of secular Jewish Israelis, such as wearing modern, Western-style clothing." -- The Israel Project



In the Middle East, 1.4 million Arabs experience true freedom. They live in Israel. They are citizens of the Jewish state and enjoy same legal and political rights as the rest.



300,000 million Arabs do not experience true freedom. They live outside the tiny strip of Israel under a misogynistic yokes posing as sovereignty and independence. The contrast between the Arabs in Israel and counterparts outside the strip are becoming distinct.



On May 15th 1948 Israel reaffirmed its 4000-year statehood.



The BBC Documentary, that should have been named 'The Rebirth of Israel', looks at this defining moment with enough material to flare up debate from both sides. It explains the events leading up to Israel's birth in 1948, defense of its borders and continuing impact on the Middle East peace process and Arab/Israeli relations.



Words -- Tommy Peters



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