ישראל — Yisrael means "one who struggles with God" or "one whom God rules." The name was given to Jacob after his struggle with the angel (Genesis 32).

Historical timeline

~2000 BCE

The Patriarchs

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The covenant (brit) between God and the Hebrew people. Canaan as the Promised Land.

~1300 BCE

The Exodus

Moses frees the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. The Torah is given at Sinai.

~1000 BCE

The United Kingdom

The kingdoms of Saul, David and Solomon. Construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

930 BCE

Division of the Kingdom

The kingdom splits into Israel (north) and Judah (south). Assyrian invasion destroys the north (722 BCE).

586 BCE

Destruction of the First Temple

Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple. The people are exiled to Babylon.

516 BCE

Return and Second Temple

Cyrus the Great allows the return. The Second Temple is built in Jerusalem.

70 CE

Destruction of the Second Temple

Rome destroys the Second Temple and Jerusalem. The Diaspora (exile) begins.

1881–1903

First Aliyah

Wave of Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel, mainly from Eastern Europe.

1948

State of Israel

May 14, 1948: David Ben-Gurion proclaims the State of Israel. The UN recognizes it.

1967

Six-Day War

Israel reunifies Jerusalem and expands its territory. Enormous historical and geopolitical significance.

1978–1994

Peace Agreements

Peace with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). Oslo Accords with the PLO.

Today

Modern Israel

Technologically advanced, democratic nation, with over 9 million inhabitants and Hebrew as the official language.

Learn Hebrew to read history in its original language

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