Jewish Communities in World War I

"​World War I was fought mostly across the continent of Europe and was one of the only occasions in history when Jewish soldiers fought against one another on opposing sides. With Jews living throughout Europe, it was only inevitable that the war would affect Jewish lives in numerous ways, not just those actually fighting but also communities devastated by the effects of war. The war also saw the end of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire in Israel. The Ottomans had ruled since the sixteenth century but was very weak and corrupt by the beginning of the twentieth century. Turkey, having sided with the Axis countries, lost the battles against the British Army led by General Allenby. This led to the beginning of British rule in Israel which lasted until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The following sources provide a glimpse into Jewish lives and communities during the harrowing years of World War I. "