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Facts About Israel: History
Israel's 60th Anniversary Edition Note: The 2008 edition is currently available only in English. Links to other languages are to previous editions.
 
HISTORY: Biblical Times
Jewish history began about 4,000 years ago (c. 17th century BCE) with the patriarchs - Abraham, his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob.
 
HISTORY: Second Temple Period - Return to Zion
Following a decree by the Persian King Cyrus (538 BCE), 50,000 Jews set out on the first return to the Land of Israel.
 
HISTORY: Foreign Domination
Roman rule was followed by centuries of domination by successive foreign powers: Byzantine, Arab, Crusaders, Mamluk, Ottoman and British.
 
HISTORY: The State of Israel
On 14 May 1948, Israel proclaimed its independence.
 
HISTORY: The Peace Process
The Madrid Peace Conference (October 1991) brought together representatives of Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinians.
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