Dear David,

As Benny Morris has written some were driven from their homes. I don't know how many. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of the Arab armies. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of the Jewish forces. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of both forces. In everything you have cited there are no numbers given. I can't agree that a majority fled on their own volition because I don't know.

Whether a majority fled of their own volition or not they should have allowed to return to their homes after the war was over. They were not allowed to return to their homes after the war was over. That was wrong, and it was wrong even if a majority fled of their own volition.

Dear David F.,

«For peace we must learn to live with difference»

Of course, peace comes first, but assume that war is now over - what kind of life do you want to have the day after?

«However, it is rarely possible in the modern state.»

Exactly, but you should already be familiar with my views regarding the modern state.

#davidf

You incorrectly state:
"Benny Morris has written some were driven from their homes. I don't know how many. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of the Arab armies. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of the Jewish forces. I don't know how many fled because they were afraid of both forces. In everything you have cited there are no numbers given. I can't agree that a majority fled on their own volition because I don't know."

Morris himself wrote in the Irish Times on 21 February 2008:

"Most of Palestine's 700,000 "refugees" fled their homes because of the flail of war (and in the expectation that they would shortly return to their homes on the backs of victorious Arab invaders). But it is also true that there were several dozen sites, including Lydda and Ramla, from which Arab communities were expelled by Jewish troops."

You seem to like quoting Benny Morris. What motivates you to continue denying Benny Morris's above conclusion and the same conclusion made very apparent by Katz, Bilby and Issa?

Dear David,

I know some of the Arabs who fled, Morris thinks most, hoped to return with victorious Arab armies. In that they were disappointed. However, that was not a reason to prevent them from returning to their homes.

I incorrectly stated nothing. I correctly stated I don't know the numbers in each category of those who left. 'Most' is not a number.

It was war time. There was confusion. I don't think the numbers in each category can be determined even if there was a desire to do so. I trust neither the Arabs nor the Israelis to give an objective account. One can count bodies, examine hospital records or make other determinations where there are reliable records. In the case of those who fled the armies there are just opinions from two sides neither of whom I trust. All you can offer are quotes of various opinions.

However, regardless of the reason they left, they should have been allowed to return home.

#davidf

I have given you two contemperaneous references (Bilby and Issa) and two researchers (Morris and Katz) who say most of the Arabs fled.

You even have #Emperor Julian backing them up.

Yet you continue to plead "I incorrectly stated nothing. I correctly stated I don't know the numbers in each category of those who left. 'Most' is not a number."

"Most" is certainly a majority. What does "most" mean to you?

If you don't accept that "most" fled - then produce some evidence to prove all these sources are wrong.

Why you are continuing with this inanity is breathtaking. I thought you were made of far better intellectual ability than you are presently demonstrating.

You eventually accepted that the Palestinian Arabs had been consulted at the time of the Mandate - when I presented the evidence to you.

We are at the same point now in relation to most of the Arabs fleeing of their own volition. You have been presented with the evidence and have posted nothing to challenge what I have given you.

Be a mensch and acknowedge the incontrovertible.

Dear David Singer,

I repeat. Whether or not most fled of their own volition I cannot say since I have only been provided with opinions which I do not trust. I do not trust you. I do not trust Arab sources. I do not trust Israeli sources. It may be true that most fled of their own volition. As far as I know there was no attempt to interview the Arabs who fled to find their reasons. There are only opinions on their reasons.

If only one Arab fled of his or her own volition they all should have been allowed to return home after the war.

If all the Arabs fled of their own volition they all should have been allowed to return home after the war.

You want me to believe that most fled of their own volition. I will say it may be true, but I don't know for sure.

However, I do know for sure that those who fled were not allowed to return home.

Why is it so important to you that I agree that most Arabs fled on their own volition?