SIR – In answer to John Hall’s letter (T&A, August 5), far from Israel existing as a “God-given right” to be where it is, the UN voted in 1947 to establish a Jewish state in the area roughly where Israel is now.
It was an area administered by Turkey roamed over by Bedouins who indiscriminately drove their goats over whatever grazing was available and when that was gone, proceeded to the next greenery. There was no attempt at cultivation or permanent settlement.
Any Arabs in the newly-created state were encouraged to stay and help build up the country.
Radio broadcasts from the surrounding countries advised the Arabs to leave so that those countries could safely drive the Israelis into the sea, but many ignored the (bad) advice, stayed and have become full citizens of Israel with equal rights to Jews (or any other religion), except that Arabs need not join the Israel Defence Forces. Now there are Arab MPs in the Knesset (Parliament).
Rudi Leavor, Heaton Park Drive, Bradford
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