The Jews are the native people.
Abundant archeological evidence shows a continuous Jewish presence in Israel since the Hebrews’ return from Egypt circa 1200 BCE. Arabs did not arrive in this geographic area until 640 CE, nearly 2,000 years later.
The British, French, and other Europeans who established colonies in Africa are examples of true “colonists” They colonized regions in which they had never lived before, and to which they had no spiritual or cultural connection. The American pioneers who settled the Western frontier are examples of true “settlers.” They settled territories in which they also had never lived before, and to which they had no connection.
In contrast to the European colonists and the American settlers, Jews have always been deeply connected to what the Bible refers to as Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel.
Because of the forced expulsion by the Romans, most Jews were dispersed throughout the world, a phenomenon known as the Diaspora. But some always remained in Israel, fostering a continuous Jewish presence for over three thousand years. For Jews in the Diaspora, a special spiritual connection to the Holy Land persisted even if a physical connection did not. “Next year in Jerusalem” is recited by Jews the world over at Passover. The Shulchan Aruch, the Jewish legal code compiled in the 16th century, states that a Jew who comes to pray should face the Land of Israel. At weekly Sabbath services, Jews read a portion of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. The Torah mentions Jerusalem more than 660 times, further proof of the deep Jewish connection to Israel.
In short, Jews are and have always been an indigenous people of the Holy Land, with deep religious connections.
Calling Jews “colonists” or “settlers” of Israel may fit the trendy “intersectionality” jargon common on many college campuses these days. But it’s a historical fiction.
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