Israel's History:
1957

1957:
by Elizabeth Alexander, 2002-2003 CHUSY Israel Affairs VP

Here is what happened in Israel in 1957:

• Statistics:
• Population had gone from 800,000 in 1948 to 2,000,000 in 1957.
• 1,000,000 immigrants had entered since 1948, most of them seeking refuge from other nations.
• Arabs made up 10% of the population, or 200,000 people.
• Highlights:
• Israel withdraws from the West Bank and the Sinai Penninsula with assurances of free passage for its shipping through the Suez Canal.
• The draining of the Huleh Valley swamp for agricultural use is completed. This not only provided fertile land but aided in the prevention of malaria.
• Immigration increases, especially from Poland, Hungary, and Egypt.
• France helps Israel create a nuclear research program in Dimona.
• Arabs boycott all firms selling goods in Israel.
• Israel leaves Gaza by March, after the US had promised help to keep the Gulf of Aqaba open for ships calling at Israel.