Palestine and the Holocaust

British policies during the Holocaust were shaped by the need to maintain order in Palestine while managing international pressure to allow more Jewish refugees to enter. The White Paper of 1939 restricted Jewish immigration, even as the scale of the Holocaust became known.

• Immigration Restrictions: The 1939 White Paper limited Jewish immigration to 75,000 over five years, with further immigration subject to Arab consent.
• Refugee Crisis: Britain’s refusal to allow more Jewish refugees into Palestine led to criticism from Zionists and international observers.
• Post-War Pressure: After the war, Britain faced increasing pressure to allow Holocaust survivors to settle in Palestine, leading to the eventual abandonment of the White Paper policy.

The Holocaust had a lasting impact on the Arab-Israeli conflict, as the memory of Jewish suffering fueled Zionist determination to establish a secure Jewish state, while also exacerbating Arab fears of further Jewish immigration.

• Zionist Resolve: The horrors of the Holocaust strengthened the resolve of Zionist leaders to establish a Jewish state as a refuge for Jews worldwide.
• Arab Opposition: The prospect of increased Jewish immigration after the war heightened Arab opposition, leading to greater tensions and violence.
• International Sympathy: Global sympathy for Holocaust survivors influenced international support for the establishment of Israel, despite Arab objections.