A real-time British report published by The Economist on October 2, 1948 is drawing renewed attention after resurfacing online, with many arguing it directly contradicts the modern “Nakba” narrative promoted decades later by anti-Israel activists and politicians such as Zohran Mamdani.
The article, written during the actual events of Israel’s War of Independence and based on accounts from British eyewitnesses in Haifa, describes how Jewish authorities urged Arab residents to remain in the city after Jewish forces gained control following heavy fighting.
According to the report, Arab civilians were promised protection and security if they stayed. The article further states that many Arabs nevertheless fled after Arab broadcasts and leaders encouraged evacuation and predicted that invading Arab armies would soon destroy the emerging Jewish state.
The report specifically noted that Arabs who chose to remain in Haifa and accept Jewish protection were viewed by some Arab leaders as “renegades.”