Biblical Era
Jewish ties to the land of Israel date back to the Biblical era of the Patriarchs. This photo of Rachel’s Tomb, located between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, was taken in 1945. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their wives are buried in the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron; Joseph’s Tomb is near Nablus.
First Temple Era
This seal bearing the inscription “Shema servant of Jeroboam” was discovered in Megiddo in 1904. Now at the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem.
Second Temple Era
Mosaic floor from the ancient Jericho synagogue, depicting a menorah, lulav and shofar. According to AP (via Second Temple Synagogues) the synagogue dates back to 50-70 BCE, making it oldest known in the world.
Byzantine Rule 313-636 CE
Mosaic floor from Byzantine era synagogue in Hammath Tiberias featuring zodiac motif. The church had a powerful influence on the ruling Byzantines, frequently to the detriment of the Jews.
Early Islamic Rule 636-1099 CE
Power passed from the caliphate to the Umayyads, to the Abbasids to the Fatmids who ruled the land from Egypt or Syria. During this time, Jews had the status of dhimmis. The Dome of the Rock was built in the seventh century by the Ummayad caliph Abd el-Malik.
Crusader Era 1099-1291
Crusader rule over the land of Israel was relatively brief, but the sea walls they built to protect Acre played a crucial role in history centuries later. In 1799, Napolean’s efforts to gain a foothold in the Holy Land — which included a declaration of autonomy for the Jews — failed miserably when the same walls protected Ottoman forces from a French siege.
Later Islamic Rule 1291-1516
The story of Jerusalem’s Ramban Synagogue typifies how Muslims treated the Jews they ruled. Originally built by Nachmanides (a.k.a. the Ramban), the synagogue was below ground level because by law, no synagogue could be taller than a Muslim place of worship. In 1589, the city’s governor, Abu Sufrin turned the building into a warehouse but the Jewish community eventually persevered. In 1948, the Jordanians captured the Old City and destroyed the building, but after the Six-Day War, the synagogue was partially refurbished. The synagogue is now being rebuilt to its original size.
Early Ottoman Era 1516-1881
Safed flourished during these years as a center of scholarship and mysticism. It was in this Galilee town that Rabbi Yosef Caro codified Jewish law and taught Kabbala as well. This synagogue, named after Rabbi Caro, was built in the 16th century.
Late Ottoman Era, Birth of Modern Zionism 1881-1917
Following an intensification of pogroms in 1881, approximately 30,000 Jews fled Czarist Russia. Most were socialists affiliated with Bilu; they founded the very first Jewish agricultural settlements of Petah Tikva, Rosh Pina, Rishon LeZion, Zichron Yaakov and Gedera. This wave of immigration was known as the “First Aliyah.” Two later waves of aliyah from 1904-1914 and 1919-1923 combined to bring 75,000 more Jews, mostly from Russia and Poland.
British Mandate 1917-1948
A period of nation-building. Many of today’s prominent institutions and national assets were launched or experienced crucial growth including the port of Haifa, Hadassah Hospital, the Jewish Agency, the Histadrut trade union, Hebrew University, and the first licensed Jewish radio stations. Tel Aviv gained municipal status in 1934, and its White City — which now has UNESCO World Heritage status — also emerged during the Mandate. Pictured is Lydda Airport (now called Ben Gurion Airport) under construction in 1935.
1948-Present
In addition to its association with important religious sites and archeology, Israel is also associated with the technology of the future. The Jewish state has established its expertise in areas like water management, desalination, security, high tech R&D, medical technology, recycling, alternative energy, cellular phones, Wi-Fi, and affordable health care. An Israeli company, Solel, is building the world’s largest solar park in California’s Mojave desert.
