Jews in Palestine from Ottoman Empire From 1517-1917 and What They Endured; During These 400 Years

 Nadene Goldfoot                                   

        Palestine:          400 Years Under Ottoman (Turkey) Rule 

                                             Ottoman Empire (1517–1917)

After  1492 (when Columbus sailed the ocean blue) the Sultans opened the gates of the Ottoman Empire generously to the refugees from Spain and later from Portugal and other lands, and the Turkish Jewish community, now mainly Sephardi, became of great importance.  The Jews were favored as a valuable trading and artisan element and also as a counterpoise to the potentially disloyal Christian minorities.  

• The Ottoman Empire conquered Palestine in 1516 and ruled the region for four centuries. It was governed as part of Ottoman Syria until World War I. 
• Jews resided in Ottoman Palestine from 1517 until the Empire's fall, with their presence growing from a small, poor community to a significant and politically organized minority by the early 20th century. By the time the Ottoman Empire rose to power in the 14th and 15th centuries, there had been Jewish communities established throughout the region in Palestine.
• The Jewish population in Ottoman Palestine varied, with an estimated 10,000 people in the mid-16th century and growing to about 13,000 by 1850, though some sources report higher numbers around the mid-19th century, such as 26,000. This population increased further by the early 20th century, with approximately 60,000 Jews living in Palestine by the time the Ottoman Empire ended. 
•  Following the Ottoman conquest in 1517, the Land was divided into four districts and attached administratively to the province of Damascus and ruled from Istanbul. At the outset of the Ottoman era, an estimated 1,000 Jewish families lived in the country, mainly in Jerusalem, Nablus (Shechem), Hebron, Gaza, Safed (Tzfat) and the villages of Galilee. The community was comprised of descendants of Jews who had never left the Land as well as immigrants from North Africa and Europe.
• Initially a refuge for Sephardic Jews fleeing the Iberian Peninsula, the community grew through a series of Aliyot (waves of immigration), though early immigration was largely motivated by religious concerns, with Zionism later driving more politically motivated settlement. 
• By the eve of World War I, the Jewish community was expanding, purchasing land, and establishing new agricultural settlements, setting the stage for later political developments.  
• Refuge and Early Growth: 

  After the Ottoman conquest in 1517, Sephardic Jews who had found refuge in the wider empire were able to move to Palestine, contributing to a gradual increase in the Jewish population. 
• Community Structure: 

  Early Jewish communities were concentrated in the "holy cities" of Jerusalem, Safed, Hebron, and Tiberias. 

• Recovery and Immigration: 

  The 18th century saw a relative recovery, with Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews making up the majority of the population. 
• First Aliyah: 

  Beginning in the late 19th century, the First Aliyah saw immigrants primarily from Europe arrive with religious and economic motives, rather than political Zionism. 
• Jewish Population Growth: 

  The Jewish population in Ottoman Palestine rose significantly, with Jerusalem achieving a Jewish majority by 1880 and the city beginning to expand beyond its walls. 

Late Ottoman Period and Zionism

• Zionist Immigration: 

  From 1880 onwards, and especially during the Second Aliyah (1904-1914), Zionist-motivated immigrants established agricultural settlements known as moshava. 
• Land Purchase: 

  Jewish groups and private buyers purchased land across the region, a process often leading to the eviction of Arab tenants, so they might say, but most sold out happily, looking for buyers and they charged fantastic amounts that were paid by the Jews.  The Palestinians could not pay the taxes to the Ottomans and wanted out to go to the larger cities of Damascus etc.. 
• Political Organization: 

  The Jewish community began to act as an independent political entity within the Ottoman Empire. 
• 1917 Jaffa Deportation: 

  As a prelude to the British Mandate, the Ottoman authorities deported the Jewish population of Jaffa and Tel Aviv in 1917, resulting in significant suffering and loss of life. 

Rabbis in Palestine from 1517 to 1917 were part of the Palestinian Jewish community, a diverse group that included both indigenous and immigrant populations. This period, marked by Ottoman rule, saw the study of Kabbalah flourish, particularly in Safed, and was characterized by the codification of Jewish law. Prominent rabbinic scholars, such as Joseph Karo and Isaac Luria, were active in the region, with many contributing to the Shulhan Arukh, a significant legal text. 

Rabbis in Palestine were Jewish spiritual and legal leaders, with roles evolving from the scholars who compiled the Talmud to the recognized Chief Rabbis (like Yaacov Meir) and the influential figures such as Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935) CHIEF RABBI IN PALESTINE who helped establish the Chief Rabbinate of the Land of Israel in 1921. Their duties focused on applying Torah law to daily life, influencing community practices, and serving as the central religious authority for the Jewish population.

By the late 19th century, Zionist immigration began to increase, contributing to the growing Jewish presence in the area. 

Resource  :  The Settlers by Meyer Levin 

A book I have read that made a great impression, a historic novel  so interesting.

The Importance of Judea-Samaria (West Bank) to Israel

 Nadene Goldfoot                                               

Judea-Samaria IS Israel!  Especially after the Assyrians attacked and took the 10 northern tribes away in 721 BCE. Sargon had annexed the country and deported 27,290 Israelites to Assyria and Media, replacing them with Syrian and Babylonian prisoners.  That's the ancient kind of deal heads of state made in those days.

      Damascus of Syria and Jerusalem of Judah are shown-left

Nebuchadnezzar:  king of Babylon (605-562 BCE)  had a victory over Assyrian-Egyptian alliance in 605; conquered all lands from Euphrates to the Egyptian frontier, including Judah.   In 597 BCE, Judah revolted:   

               Judea and Samaria now called:  The West Bank by Jordan
                           

     Exodus from Jerusalem to Babylon

 Then Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonians attacked in 597 BCE and again in 586 BCE.  He exiled 8,000 of the local aristocracy to Babylon in 597 BCE, captured Jerusalem,  and destroyed the Temple of Solomon.

 That's where we Jews came from.  Our state among a group of 12 others, all related to each other from the very origin had been a tribe of 12 brothers.  We Jews were from Judah, a few from Benjamin and a few from Simeon.  Mostly we were Judeans.  Jerusalem is in Judah.  We Jews are indigenous, indigent Judeans.  Many of us have already taken DNA testing proving our heritage.  

             Chaim Weizmann (1874-1952), also Zionist leader

During the 1920s, the Zionist movement was divided on the issue of the British division of Palestine, which resulted in the separation of Transjordan (present-day Jordan) from the area designated for a potential Jewish national home. While some prominent figures within the Zionist leadership expressed concerns about this reduction in territory, they ultimately acquiesced to the British decision. One notable figure in this context is Chaim Weizmann, who, while a key figure in securing the Balfour Declaration and a proponent of a Jewish homeland, later supported the partition plan recommended by the Peel Commission in 1937.

 Chaim Weizmann and King Feisal in Paris Conference

His stance was based on the belief that "half a loaf was better than none", though it was met with opposition by others who viewed it as a surrender to British interests.  Chaim (1874-1952) was not a historian.  He was a Russian scientist, a chemist.  I'm afraid he was not aware, being a student in Germany and  Swiss universities; the creator of organic chemistry's additive for English soldiers to use in their bombs in WW II and win the war.  He was not a debater.  

Do you realize how clever it was to call Judea and Samaria, The West Bank?  It wipes out the history that it was Land of Jews.  It only takes one generation to do so;  to be erased from people's minds.  

The problem was that when the Romans attacked Judah in 70 CE, they killed many, took many as slaves or trading material for profit, with the threat to any survivors to leave and never return or death would be waiting for us.  There was more to our land than Judah, and so we existed in Israel but in small groups unnoticed to future generations of Romans and other countries taking the land.

Judah was comprised of numerous cities and towns, particularly in its southern region, including notable locations like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Bethlehem. The tribe of Judah also held territories in the western foothills, the hill country, and the wilderness areas.   (More listed below)

Cities in Judah:

• Jerusalem: The capital of Judah and a significant city in biblical history. 
• Hebron: An ancient city with patriarchal significance and a place where David reigned initially. 
• Bethlehem: Known as the birthplace of David and Jesus. 
• Lachish: A fortified city and important military center. 
• Beersheba: Located in the Negev desert, marking the southern boundary of Judah. 
• En-Gedi: An oasis near the Dead Sea. 
• Ziph: An area in the wilderness near Hebron where David hid. 
• Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam, Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh: These cities were located in the western foothills. 
• Shamir, Jattir, Sochoh, Dannah, Kirjath Sannah, Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, Goshen, Holon: These cities were located in the hill country. 
• Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, The City of Salt, En Gedi: These cities were located in the wilderness. 
• Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan: These cities were located in the southern part of Judah's territory. 
• Tekoa, Etam, Beth-zur, Soko, Adoraim, Aijalon: These cities were fortified by Rehoboam. 

 In 132 CE Bar Kokhba retook Jerusalem and held it for 3 years before dying in battle.  Romans were furious. 

Famous Judeans include historical figures like King David and King Solomon, religious figures like Jesus of Nazareth and the prophets, and influential figures from later periods like Maimonides and Baruch Spinoza. Modern figures like Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and figures from the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, including businessmen and politicians, also represent the diverse legacy of Judeans. 

Historical and Religious Figures:

• King David: (1010-970  BCE)   Second King of Israel, known for his reign and the Davidic line of kings. born in Bethlehem.
• King Solomon: (961-920 BCE)Third King of Israel, known for his wisdom and building the first Temple. 
• Moses: (1391-1271 BCE)  A prophet and religious leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt. 
• Jesus of Nazareth: A central figure in Christianity, considered the Jewish Messiah by many. 
• The Prophets: Including Isaiah, Joel, and others, figures who delivered divine messages. 
• Judas Iscariot: One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, known for betraying him. 
• Melchizedek:  A Jebusite King of Salem and priest who blessed Abram.(Abram was born c.1948 BCE) 
• Abdi-Heba: A Hurrian chieftain. 
• Zadok: A Levitical High Priest.descended from Aaron, brother of Moses, chief priest for King David 
• Hezekiah: (720-692 BCE)The thirteenth king of Judah. 

Jewish People,  of the Judah line:  

Philosophers and Thinkers:

Maimonides, also known as Moses ben Maimon, was a highly influential Jewish philosopher, physician, and scholar who lived during the 12th century. He is renowned for his contributions to Jewish law, philosophy, and medicine, and his works continue to be studied and revered today. 

• Maimonides: A prominent Jewish philosopher, physician, and scholar. 
• Baruch de Spinoza: (1632-1677)A Dutch philosopher, considered one of the great rationalists of 17th-century philosophy.
• Moses Mendelssohn: A German Jewish philosopher and intellectual figure of the Enlightenment.
• Karl Marx: German philosopher and economist whose ideas shaped communism.
• Sigmund Freud: An Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. 

Other Influential Figures:

• Rashi: (1040-1105 CE)  A medieval French rabbi and commentator on the Talmud and Hebrew Bible. 
• 
  
• Paul Ehrlich: (1854-1915) A German physician and scientist who worked in the fields of hematology, immunology, and chemotherapy

• Theodor Herzl: (1860-1904) A Jewish journalist, writer, and political activist, considered the father of modern political Zionism.
• Gustav Mahler: (1860-1911) An Austrian late-Romantic composer and conductor.
• Albert Einstein: (1879-1955) A German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity.
• Anne Frank: (1929-1945) A Jewish diarist and writer, known for her diary about hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
• Saul of Tarsus (Saint Paul): An apostle who spread Christianity to the non-Jewish world.

Modern Figures:                     

Natalie Hershlag, known professionally as Natalie Portman, is an Israeli-American actress, director, and producer. Portman has also appeared in Beautiful Girls (1996), Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Mars Attacks! (1996), Anywhere but Here (1999), and Where the Heart Is (2000). She graduated from Harvard in 2003 with a psychology degree. Portman won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Actress for her performance in Black Swan (2010). 

• Natalie Portman: An actress, producer, and director.
•                                               
  
  Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for over 60 years. Born Robert Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota in 1941, Dylan emerged from the New York City folk scene in the 1960s with political songs and acoustic guitar. He later transitioned to electric guitar and has written songs in a variety of genres, including rock, blues, gospel, country, and jazz. 
• Bob Dylan: A singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist.
  
  Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, producer and screenwriter. Primarily a comedic leading actor in films, his accolades include an Independent Spirit Award, alongside nominations for three Grammy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
• Adam Sandler: An actor, comedian, and producer.
  
  Jerome "Jerry" Siegel  October 17, 1914 – January 28, 1996) was an American comic book writer. He was the co-creator of Superman, in collaboration with his friend Joe Shuster, published by DC Comics.
• Jerry Siegel: Co-creator of Superman.
  
  Leonard Simon Nimoy was an American actor, director, photographer, poet, and musician. He's best known for his portrayal of the logical and stoic Mr. Spock in the Star Trek television series and film franchise. Nimoy's performance earned him three Emmy nominations and his character became a cultural icon. 
• Leonard Nimoy: An actor, film director, poet, singer, and photographer. 

Resource:

The New Standard Jewish Encycloopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah

https://biblemapper.com/blog/index.php/2020/03/01/judah-and-its-towns/