WATCH: How the State of Israel was Born

Learn about this epic period in Israel’s history.

The creation and survival of the state of Israel were in doubt from the beginning.

On May 14, 1948, when Zionist leader David Ben Gurion read the Independence Proclamation that created a Jewish state, it seemed like a dream.

However, five Arab countries coordinated a massive attack on the burgeoning nation, and war was inevitable.

That was not the only challenge, as diplomatic issues also threatened to scuttle the birth of the state of Israel.

Despite the odds, Ben Gurion stood up and declared the establishment of a Jewish homeland.

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