Daily Current Affairs : 10-October-2023

In the midst of the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, the world has turned its attention to the profound thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi on this complex issue. Gandhi, a stalwart of non-violence and justice, expressed deep sympathies for the Jewish people who had endured historical persecution due to their religion. His opinions on this matter are not only insightful but have also significantly influenced India’s foreign policy for decades.

Gandhi’s Sympathy towards the Jewish People: A Call for Humanity

Gandhi’s empathy for the Jewish people was evident in his writings. He condemned the German persecution of Jews, recognizing it as unparalleled in history. He expressed grave concern over Britain’s appeasement policy toward Hitler and asserted that even war with Germany would be justified to prevent the persecution of the Jewish people. His compassion highlighted the need for collective human effort against injustice.

Opinion Against a Zionist State in Palestine: A Stand for Arab Rights

Gandhi vehemently opposed the imposition of Jews on the Arabs in Palestine. He considered it inhumane to displace proud Arabs for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. His stance rested on two key beliefs. Firstly, he argued that Palestine was already home to Arab Palestinians, and forcefully settling Jews there was fundamentally violent. Secondly, he believed that the idea of a Jewish homeland contradicted the global fight for equal rights.

Gandhi’s Influence on India’s Foreign Policy: Anti-Imperialism and Empathy

Gandhi’s perspective was not isolated; it resonated with leaders in the Arab world and anti-imperialists worldwide. His anti-imperialist views profoundly impacted Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, shaping the nation’s foreign policy. This influence was evident in India’s voting against UN Resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine between Jews and Arabs. Although India recognized Israel in 1950, official diplomatic relations were only established in 1992 under Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao.

Important Points:

  • Gandhi’s Sympathy towards Jewish People:
    • Deep sympathies for historically persecuted Jewish people.
    • Condemned the unparalleled German persecution of Jews.
    • Advocated justifiable war against Germany to prevent Jewish persecution.
  • Opposition to a Zionist State in Palestine:
    • Strong opposition to imposing Jews on Arabs in Palestine.
    • Considered it inhumane to displace Arabs for a Jewish homeland.
    • Believed settling Jews in Palestine was fundamentally violent and against Arab rights.
    • Contradicted the global fight for equal rights.
  • Influence on India’s Foreign Policy:
    • Impactful anti-imperialist views resonated with leaders worldwide.
    • Profoundly influenced India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
    • India’s vote against UN Resolution 181, which proposed partitioning Palestine.
    • Recognition of Israel in 1950, but official diplomatic relations established in 1992.
  • Legacy of Gandhi’s Principles:
    • Rooted in justice, humanity, and anti-imperialism.
    • Continues to guide nations toward paths of peace, justice, and understanding.
    • Demonstrates enduring power of empathy and principles in shaping international relations.
Why In News

Amidst the latest war in the history of Israel and Palestine, we reflect on Gandhi’s perspective, who, in response to this complex situation, once remarked, ‘It’s a very difficult question,’ reminding us of the ongoing challenges faced by both nations.

MCQs about Gandhi’s Impact on Israel-Palestine

  1. What was Gandhi’s stance on the creation of a Zionist state in Palestine?
    A. He supported it as a solution for Jewish persecution.
    B. He opposed it, considering it inhumane and a violation of Arab rights.
    C. He was indifferent and did not express a clear opinion.
    D. He believed it would promote peace between Jews and Arabs.
  2. How did Gandhi’s views on the Jewish persecution in Germany differ from historical events?
    A. He believed it was a common event in history.
    B. He considered it unparalleled in history.
    C. He thought it was a minor incident.
    D. He was indifferent to the German persecution.
  3. What impact did Gandhi’s perspective have on India’s foreign policy towards Israel?
    A. India immediately established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1947.
    B. India rejected Israel’s existence as a state.
    C. India recognized Israel in 1950 but established official relations later.
    D. India supported Israel’s claim to Palestine.
  4. Why did Gandhi oppose settling Jews in Palestine?
    A. He believed Palestine was underpopulated.
    B. He considered the idea of a Jewish homeland violent and against Arab rights.
    C. He thought it would bring economic instability to the region.
    D. He supported the idea but believed it needed further discussion.

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