ISRAEL IN MAPS: Where, When, and Why is Zion? (EYE TO ZION: ZIONISM 101)

The Tiny Jewish State’s Birth and Renaissance Across 4000 Yearsin the Best Ever Historical Maps collection of the Land of Israel2025 EditionExpanded and Updated Maps, Tables, Timelines and Chartsby Reuven KoretThis is the world’s best coherent collection of historical maps of the Land of Israel, which we call Zion.Israel in Maps provides a visual narrative of the Jewish people’s unbreakable connection to their once and future homeland. By combining historical depth with contemporary insights, we aim to reflect the changing realities of the Jewish State in maps. Then we add memory-jarring timelines, updated tables, and colorful charts to address the trends of demography.For decades there was a lack of high-quality, easy-to-understand historical maps that tell Israel’s story. I started this project back in 2002, with Israel reeling from the terrible terror bombings of the Second Intifada, with maps featured in my daily webzine Israel Insider. Daily news, daily maps. After a long hiatus, Israel Insider is available at www.israelinsider.org.After October 7, 2023, the need for quality historical maps became more urgent. For the first time, Israel’s right to exist is being called into question. An entire generation lacks the most basic knowledge of Mideast history and geography. And Israel's enemies know this very well, seeking to take advantage of this lack.The first editions of what was called Israel’s Story in Maps had the sponsorship and imprimatur of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a senior Israeli diplomat, former Ambassador Ami Mehl, I pored over historical maps and documents to get it right. My design team at Koret Communications in Tel Aviv – Tiki Keller, Osnat Loewenthal, and Michael Mann – brilliantly realized the work.Twenty years later, I am on my own and accept full blame for any errors found within.This edition includes updates that address Israel’s evolving security and geopolitical challenges. With Israel’s legitimacy and historical claims to this land were challenged. The priority here remains to emphasize the Jewish people’s continuous presence and culture-building in this land. This needs to be learned and taught, from reliable sources.Winners don’t just write the history books. They draw the maps. I have tried to avoid the pitfalls of an easy win and to present just the geographical and historical facts, without spin. I bring receipts.This collection is revised, expanded, and updated for 2025 with recent events fresh in mind. highlighting the authenticity and legitimacy of the Jews’ unbreakable bond to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. We document Jewish resilience over millennia dreaming of a return to Jerusalem, the land of Zion.Through these maps and tables, we are honored to tell the story of Israel’s survival and resilience.From ancient times to the modern, forged by conflict and nation-building, we show Am Yisrael’s bond with its homeland Eretz Yisrael— ארץ ישראל—testament to עם חופשי בארצנו, a free people in our land.Richard J Koret ראובן קורטIsrael’s Story in Maps collection was created in 2003 by Koret Communications Ltd. in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. It has been updated from time to time always as Israel’s Story in Maps.The copyright and all usage rights are now held exclusively by Richard J. Koret. The maps, infographics, tables, and charts contained here, individually or in groups, may be licensed for inclusion in books, websites, social media and other publications. Contact the author for permission and payment of licensing fees (if applicable) at www.israelinmaps.com. Read more