may 14, 1948 - State of Israel proclaimed

Description:

At 16:00, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the state of Israel to exist.

Over the next few years, there was a huge influx of Jewish immigrants. This was encouraged by Israel, but caused them problems because:
- they spoke different languages
- many were traumatised (especially Holocaust survivors)
- it forced austerity and rationing, almost reaching complete economic collapse by 1952
- 'tent cities' with bad conditions had to be set up

The USA gave Israel food aid and grants, and private Zionist sympathisers abroad also gave funding.

Added to timeline:

Date: