Keywords
Iraq; Jew; Diaspora; Ethnic cleansing; Israel
Abstract
The mid-20th century, particularly the 1940s and 1950s, was marked by significant Jewish migration and ethnic cleansing worldwide following the Holocaust and widespread antisemitism. A common misconception is that the Holocaust's effects were confined to Europe; however, substantial evidence shows that similar policies and migrations occurred in the Middle East and North Africa, where antisemitism was also a prominent issue often overlooked in historical narratives. Furthermore, the perception that Zionism—a movement for the re-establishment, development, and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary—originated solely within European or "White" Jewish communities is both antiquated and inaccurate. This thesis delves into the history of the Jewish communities of Iraq to better understand the ethnic cleansing and forced removal practices in the Middle East and their impact on contemporary global perceptions of Zionism and the State of Israel. The establishment of the State of Israel played a crucial role in saving Jewish communities worldwide, including those in Iraq. A focused examination of Iraq's situation during this period, alongside the broader global context of Jewish displacement following the rise of the State of Israel, highlights the necessity of Israel's formation then and now. The Iraqi government, weakened by internal and external pressures, upheld a policy of oppression and discrimination against its Jewish community, often citing fear of retaliation from extremist nationalist and pan-Arab parties. This thesis argues that such justifications are insufficient to excuse the forced oppression of a community. Through a detailed analysis, this work aims to demonstrate how the II exodus and forced removal of Jewish communities from Iraq constituted a form of ethnic cleansing and continues to shape global views on Zionism and the State of Israel.
Thesis Completion Year
2024
Thesis Completion Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair
Hanson, Kenneth
College
College of Arts and Humanities
Department
History
Thesis Discipline
History
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Shem-Tov, Gal, "The Forced Removal Of Iraqi Jews: Ethnic Cleansing And Its Impact On Global Perceptions Of Zionism And The State Of Israel" (2024). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 153.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/153
Rights Statement
