Yes they were. Historically, the Jew's resided there since the beginning of history. I believe it formed from Mesopotamia. They broke away from the Roman Empire several times to establish the state of Israel but were defeated.

History states the Jew's first appeared in the area around 3,000+ years ago. Not to mention Muslims, for the most part, are nothing more than Jews who converted to the Islam a long time ago.

They have gained and lost control of the region many times over the course of history.
JaggedEdge Reviewed by JaggedEdge on . Obama vows support for Israel Barack Obama, the US Democratic presidential candidate, has said he backs Israel's decision not to negotiate with the Palestinian group Hamas. Speaking in the Israeli town of Sderot, which has been hit by rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza, Obama said the US also supported Israel's right to defend itself "against those who threaten its people". He also reiterated his position that Jerusalem "will be" the capital of Israel. However the Illinois senator, currently on the Rating: 5