Ethnic groups that were already living in Palestine when European Jews moved from Europe to Palestine.
Before the large-scale migration of European Jews to Palestine, the region was home to a diverse array of ethnic and religious groups12. Here are some of the main groups:
- Arabs (Christians and Muslims): The Arab population was predominantly Muslim, but there were also Christian Arabs living in the region12.
- Jews: There were Jewish communities present in Palestine before the large-scale migration of European Jews. These communities included Sephardic Jews who had been living in the region for centuries12.
- Samaritans: The Samaritans are a unique religious-ethnic group that was living in Palestine. They are closely related to Judaism1.
- Nabataeans: The Nabataeans were an Arabic-speaking people who inhabited the region1.
- Canaanites: The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of Palestine and lived in the region during the Bronze Age2.
- Phoenicians: Along the coastal region, the Phoenician presence expanded1.
It’s important to note that the demographic history of Palestine is complex and has been shaped by various historical events and migrations12. The region has been home to diverse populations over centuries2.