In the Early 20th Century, Before the Creation of Modern Israel, Parts of the Horn of Africa; Including Areas of Present-day Somaliland and Ethiopia, Were Actively Discussed as Potential Locations for a Jewish Homeland
By LauraAboli
In the early 20th century, before the creation of modern Israel, parts of the Horn of Africa; including areas of present-day Somaliland and Ethiopia, were actively discussed as potential locations for a Jewish homeland.
Archival documents from the 1930s show that British officials and Zionist planners explored multiple territorial options:
• A Jewish homeland could be established in parts of East Africa
• The region had agricultural potential
• It could be administered with British approval
• Ethiopia’s emperor (Haile Selassie) might consent
• Jewish settlers would develop the land economically
• Immigration would be regulated
• The territory would remain under imperial oversight
It’s interesting, to say the least, that Israel becomes the first nation to formally recognise Somaliland; a territory sitting at one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, at the entrance to the Red Sea, opposite Yemen, and along the artery that connects Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Resources:
https://t.me/LauraAbolichannel/79342
https://d1fdloi71mui9q.cloudfront.net/xuyCHiCzSpabH1UmBMk7_Harrar%20Council.pdf
