ABSTRACT
To the Arabs, Zionism is one form of imperialism. They perceived it to be a threat to their very existence even when it was still but an ideology. The Arabs were aware of the early Zionists’ efforts to gain a foothold in Ottoman-dominated Palestine. Zionist activity in Britain dates back to the early twentieth century. With the increase in Arab unrest and the growth of the Nazi threat in the Middle East, the British government became anxious to reach some understanding with the Palestine Arabs. Zionist influence upon United States policy-makers dates from the First World War. With America’s participation in the war, American political leaders began discussing the fate and aspirations of the Zionist movement in Palestine. In 1922 the Zionists succeeded in pressing for the ‘Lodge-Fish Palestine Resolution’, favoring the establishment of a National Home for the Jewish people in Palestine. This resolution was sponsored by both Houses of Congress.
