April 20, 1799
While laying siege to Acre, French leader Napoleon Bonaparte issues a proclamation declaring that Jews are the rightful owners of the region of Palestine. Hoping to win the support of local Jews, he declares: “The great nation which does not trade in men and countries as did those which sold your ancestors unto all people (Joel 4:6) herewith calls on you not indeed to conquer your patrimony; nay, only to take over that which has been conquered and, with that nation’s warranty and support, to remain master of it to maintain it against all comers.”
In July 1798, after a successful campaign in Egypt against the Mamluks, Napoleon had captured both Cairo and Alexandria. Napoleon was hoping to end British control of trade and open a French route to the East. The British navy moved in, defeated the French fleet and cut Napoleon off from leaving Egypt by sea to return to France.
After several months in Cairo, Napoleon again went on the offensive in February 1799. Aware that a Turkish force was preparing to move against him, Napoleon marched 13,000 of his troops from El-Arish in the Sinai to Gaza, where he defeated the Turkish forces. After the victory at Gaza and another at Jaffa, the French troops resumed their march north toward Haifa.
Reaching Acre on March 20, Napoleon besieged the city. The siege would last much longer than Napoleon had believed as the British helped to defend the city.
Despite his April 20 proclamation, evidence indicates that most Jews in Palestine, especially in Jerusalem, fear the French and instead assist the Ottomans. In June, Napoleon withdraws his plague-ridden, weakened army and returns to Egypt.
