Has the relationship between the Arabs and Jews improved over time?

Answer 1

The relationship between Arabs and Jews was initially quite good. Arab Moslems made a place for Jews to leave in peace as second-class citizens in their Empires for most of the Pre-Modern Era. This was much better than the treatment that they got in most other places like those in Christendom. Andalucía, or Moslem Spain, was one of the prime examples of Arab-Jewish relations. However, when Colonizers entered the Middle East, Jews joined with the Colonizers because they promised (and gave) the Jews full citizenship with none of the extra taxes or fear of the occasional pogrom. Arabs resented the Jews for what they saw as an abandonment of their civilization.

Pogroms against the Jews intensified during World War II as the Nazis made inroads with many Arab Leaders. The most famous meeting was in Baghdad, Iraq between the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Husseyni and SS Leader Himmler. As Nazi Anti-Semitism became part of the Arab Nationalist Movement, pogroms intensified across the Arab World. Concurrently in the British Mandate of Palestine, Zionist Jews and Palestinians were fighting over control of the future of the Mandate. The Establishment of the State of Israel and the resulting people swaps of Palestinians fleeing the Mandate and Jews fleeing the Arab World marked a low point in Jewish-Arab relations.

On account of the military results of 1949, 1956, 1967, and 1973, the Arabs have come to the realization that Israel will not be removed by strength of arms. This has led to a begrudging acceptance of Israel's presence (however, it is still deemed illegitimate, just not going anywhere). Egypt and Jordan have signed peace treaties with Israel and the Israeli-Jordanian Peace is a warm peace marked by friendship and trade. However, most Arabs refuse to recognize the validity of the State of Israel and/or the recent negligent treatment that Jews received in Arab countries and this prevents Jews from openly befriending them. In the same vein, Jews often downplay the suffering of the Palestinian People and the Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, which bothers the Arabs to no end, leading to their continued hostility.

Bottom Line: From 700 to Today, no, relations have worsened, From 1948 to Today, yes, relations have improved.

Answer 2

The way that Jews and Arabs get along depends incredibly on the political situation. If both are generally excluded from government (such as in Western countries), they can get on relatively peacefully. If one or the other is in political power (such as Israel, the Palestinian Territories, or the Arab Countries) there is generally inequality and problematic relations.

From most populous to least populous

Arab Countries: In the early 1900s, Arab Nationalism made a link between Arab Identity and Muslim Practice. This alienated Jews, Christians, and other minority religions from really participating. The anti-Semitic nature of Arab Nationalism was only increased when Nazism became prominent in Europe (1933-1945) and influenced Arab Culture. As a result of the increasing Anti-Semitism, many Jews in the Arab World felt uncomfortable and a small wealthy minority of them were bullied, stolen from, and executed. As a result, Jews fled en masse from the Arab World from 1950-1955. In 1940, there were 280,000 Jews in Morocco, 100,000 in Libya, 100,000 Egypt, 100,000 between Lebanon and Syria, and 170,000 in Iraq. With the exception of Morocco (which has around 6,500 Jews), all of the Arab countries mentioned in this list have less than 200 Jews, who face continuing discrimination and serious danger (and must also completely repudiate Zionism).

Israel: In Israel, Jews and Arabs get along relatively well. There is discrimination against Arabs in Employment and Housing by the Israeli government. These are issues debated quite often in the Knesset and in the Israeli street. However, the situation is more similar to the United States in the 1970s as concerns the Blacks. There are equal rights on paper, but there are social and economic inequalities.

West Bank: There is a dichotomy between the Israeli Settlers (Jews) who operate according to Israeli civil laws and the Palestinians (Arabs) who are responsible to Israeli military law. The application of this unequal system of power and authority creates unease and difficulty between the groups. There is often violent protest from the Palestinians and cowboy-style activities and attacks from the Israeli Settlers.

Gaza Strip: Gaza Strip has no Jewish population anymore since the Jews left in 2005. However, the blockade in Gaza combined with Hamas' violent activities and repressive governance have caused enmity between the Palestinians who rule the area and live there and the Jews of Israel.

Answer 3

Arabs and Israelis have been conflicting since the formation of Israel in 1948. Every Arab nation, but Jordan and Egypt, do not recognize Israel as a nation. Turkey, another Middle Eastern nation, also recognizes Israel. Iran used to recognize Israel, but have retracted their recognition. Nearly every Arab nation who does not recognize Israel as a nation does not accept an Israeli passport, meaning Israelis cannot enter these nations. Laos.

Answer 4

Nope.

See the reasons at the related question below.

Answer 5

In general, it can be rather tense, especially as concerns politics and history. On an individual level, there are numerous Jewish-Arab friendships.