Final answer:
The unification of Israelites under the state of Israel, supported by elements of shared history, ethnicity, religion, and language, played a significant role in fostering a strong sense of national identity. The struggle for statehood, defense against conflicts, and the drive of Zionism contributed to this unity. National symbols, rituals, and global recognition, especially after the Holocaust, further solidified the Israeli national consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The unification of the Israelites played a significant role in fostering a sense of national identity among them. As nations began to form in the nineteenth century, the elements of language, ethnicity, religion, and shared history were often foundational to a national identity. For the Israelites, the concept of Zionism, which emerged in the nineteenth century, advocated for a Jewish state where Jews could live and govern themselves. This movement gained momentum, particularly post World War II, leading to the establishment of Israel in 1948.
Political scientist Benedict Anderson suggests that modern states cultivate a sense of 'peoplehood' through various means such as elections, national symbols, and public rituals. For Israel, the very struggle for survival amidst the Arab-Israeli conflict, beginning with the declaration of independence and the subsequent wars, further solidified the Israeli national consciousness. Defending the state against external threats, the building of national symbols, and the unifying cause of Zionism all contributed to a strong national identity.
Moreover, the horrors of the Holocaust and a global push for a Jewish homeland underpinned the unification of Israelites under their own state. The British mandate over Palestine expired, and the United Nations attempted to map out a Jewish homeland, which resulted in the new state of Israel. The support from powerful allies and the defense of their sovereignty in wars against neighboring Arab states fostered a collective identity rooted in shared struggle and the triumph of establishing a new nation.