THE EMERGENCE of an independent Jewish state in 1948 is a subject that provokes controversy, especially now with Israel engaged in a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

What led to the creation of modern Israel? We’ll discuss this over the next few programs as we look at the prophetic fulfillment of God’s promise to Hebrew prophets more than 2,400 years ago. This week, we look at the historical backdrop of the 19th century, a time when Jews in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East began to realize that they weren’t as safe and secure as they’d come to believe.