Project Tikvah

[Tokugawa Empire]

The meeting of Jewish leaders in Krakow continues, with many at a stalemate with regards to their future. Most calls for a Jewish state in Palestine have died out following the Axumite war. Some push for an independent Jewish state in Beta Israel following the war, whilst others discuss alternative proposals. Some leaders discuss the need for a rich nation to back them, with proposals for the United States, China, or Mexico being put on the table. Yet the debates still continue.

Premier Songwut during his time addressing issues with Buddhist had also created a Tai representative for the Jewish population in The PHTE. So it was only natural that when the Jewish delegation couldn't find a home for their people that a plan was formed.
Representative to the Jewish community Eliyahu Thirawatchai reached out to the delegation with a idea.
Turning the island of Nias into a Jewish State with the backing of The PHTE.
He patiently awaited a response.
@Axum

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

The Jewish leaders invite Eliyahu Thirawatchai to Krakow to meet with them and discuss the Tai plan in person with them.

[Skip to meeting]

When Eliyahu enters the meeting room in Krakow, he would find a crowd of gathered old men, many with beards and dressed in traditional Jewish clothes, arguing and discussing various ideas. Pinned to the walls around the room would be maps of Palestine, Beta Israel, Nias, and other various locations. With his arrival, the map of Nias is taken down from the wall and placed on a table at the centre of the room.

Matthias Henriques, a Jew with an impressive beard and a French accent, addresses Eliyahu. "Welcome to Krakow. We understand that the Tai government has made a proposal for a Jewish state on the island of Nias. Please, tell us more about your proposal."

[Tokugawa Empire]

Eliyahu shakes Matthias Henriques hand.
"It's an honor to be here, and to bring this plan to you in person.
They have an idea in the works that with your assistance would modernize Nias into an island nation fit for the Jewish people to thrive on. With it also in such close proximity to the People's Holy Tai Empire you could benefit from added protection and assistance. They would help train workers and soldiers alike on equipment that would be donated for the defense of the nation.
In return they only ask a few things.
One, any nation building as far as growin of the island be done out to sea.
Two, open communication to make life better for Abrahamic religious groups.
Three, an agreement to join a military coalition that is based around defending these groups from those who seek to destroy us."
He let's them process what he just said.
@Axum

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

"These terms do not sound so bad. Tell me, would we be independent, or simply a province of your Tai Empire? If we are independent, how much control will we have over our own politics, both internal and external? What of the native people living on the island? What would happen to them? There are approximately 7 million Jews in the world, if they were to move to Nias over a period of, say, 5-20 years, do you have the ability to invest in assisting the development of the island to support this many people? Is their a sufficient airport on the island? How much financial support will you provide us to develop this island into our new homeland? These are all important questions that need answering for us to move forward."

[Tokugawa Empire]

*Refers to notes he brought*
"You would be your own governing body, separately from the PHTE. Freedom to do as you wish internally and externally as long as you dont break the rules set by Ayutthaya... for national security reasons.
As far as the local population goes we are going to attempt to relocate them to a neighboring island, if that doesn't work we ask that you just treat them with respect and don't alienate them.
When it comes to support, our goal is to get you self sustainable as soon as possible. Once there we will do our best to aid you. That's only if you choose to not be in the coalition as mentioned before."

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

"I'm not sure how I feel about those conditions for the Natives. But as long as they have a say, I guess it would be alright. What sort of rules would we be talking about that your government sets? Further, let me see if I understand this: if we do not join your coalition we do not get aid and support?" The other Jewish leaders murmur quietly.

[Tokugawa Empire]

"They have a say and will be fully compinsated if moved. And the rules would be like what was talked about earlier.
Any geographic nation building would go out to sea.
No purchasing or use of foreign radar systems. This includes on aircraft, naval vessels, ect.
And other rules that would solidify and safeguard national security.
If you don't join the coalition, you can get support but not the sort of integration that comes with being in said coalition. If that makes sense."

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

"Good, good. If we can not purchase foreign radar systems, including aircraft, naval vessels, etc, how are we to defend ourselves? What about producing in house systems, is that allowed? I think it makes sense." At this there would be some murmuring from the others present, as they realize that signing on would likely mean subjecting themselves to be slaves to yet another world power, without any true self-determination for the Jewish people.

[Tokugawa Empire]

Hearing the whispers being said amongst the other members, he opts to take the initiative.
" You can aquire them from a number of non-hostile nations around you....
We are alse here to talk and work out an agreement if possible. I'm not here to doom you to servitude to another power. I'm here to give you the chance to become your own nation with the backing of the PHTE. So please,
voice concerns if you you have them." He says calmly as he tries to read the room.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Matthias Henriques replies, "If you will allow us a moment, we need some time to talk about what you have proposed. Do you mind waiting in the other room, please? Noya will bring you there, and provide you with some tea or coffee while you wait." He gestures to a middle aged woman who steps over and guides Eliyahu to another room in the building. Once Eliyahu has left, the Jews begin debating what was proposed. The voices spread throughout the room, with various opinions being voiced. It would be extremely unlikely that Eliyahu would hear any of the debates happening in the room.

It's an awfully small island...

What about the locals?

They can be dealt with, that's not hard.

Undeveloped...

Quite a few restrictions...

Far away from the Holy Land...

Military restrictions...

Beholden to foreign powers...

Can't trust Catholics...

Do we want to associate with communists?

What other options do we have?

Doesn't even have an airport...

No real support if we don't submit to Tai rule...

They're willing to work with us...

But at what cost?

What isn't he telling us?

What do they want out of this?

The discussions continue, with those leaning against the idea gaining more support, but not enough to sway those who are undecided. In the end, there are roughly 35% in favour, 40% against, and 25% undecided. Uncertain whether these discussions will go anywhere fruitful, Henriques is instructed to bring Eliyahu on a trip to the local Jewish Quarter with him, to learn more about his motives, away from the Council of Elders. Meanwhile, members of the Council of Elders will continue to sound out the perspectives of other world powers, to see if anyone else has any proposals for the Jewish people, and/or wants to sponsor them to find a new homeland.

A good two hours after being sent out, Henriques enters the other room where Eliyahu is waiting, and greets him. "My apologies for the delay, but I am afraid discussions will be continuing for quite some time still. If you will come with me, I have been instructed to show you around Krakow." From there, he would lead Eliyahu to a waiting car, where they would travel to Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter of Krakow. There, Henriques would walk through the quarter with Eliyahu, pointing out elements of Jewish culture, and also points where the local rulers caused the Jews great harm, such as the local cemetery, the bullet holes in the synagogue walls, and the bars on the jails. Henriques would not speak of the meeting, waiting to see if Eliyahu would speak of it first.

---

Meanwhile, the other members of the Council of Elders would send feelers to other major world powers, inquiring if any of them would be willing to sponsor the Jews in their search of a new homeland. @The British Commonwealth @Mexican Empire @Kingdom of Rome [start a new thread if you're interested, I'm going to give 48 irl hours to respond, otherwise I'll take it as not interested]

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

With no other support available, the Council of Elders begins debating their options for accepting the Tai's offer. They decide upon a plan of action to propose, and wait for Eliyahu and Henriques to return.

[bump @People's Holy Tai Empire ]

[Tokugawa Empire]

Eliyahu would be quiet for a time before responding to Henriques after seeing the rest of Krakow.
"Henriques, Sir. I hope that I or the Tai government haven't angered you or the rests of the Eders. We are truly trying to start something good here, free of the lenses of political prowess. A home for another Abrahamic religion, and a safe one at that. I wanted to suprise the elders with word of a new multi-lane airport on the island. It just feels that there is a tension caused by my nationality and government." He addressed Henriques with a soft tone.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Henriques smiles sadly, "My friend, it has little to do with your nationality, but rather your government and religion. We are reluctant to trust a nation founded upon Catholic ideals, not to mention a communist state. However, I do not wish to discuss that with you at this time. Is Krakow not a lovely city? My ancestors on my mothers side grew up not too far from here. But, as too often happens, we Jews must move time and again when the government changes, or when a new disease rolls through the town. This is why we seek a new homeland." He strolls along silently, before checking his watch. "But come, we have lingered too long. I am certain that the Council of Elders has had enough time to talk. Let us return."

Upon their return Henriques would take a seat around the table, leaving Eliyahu to stand facing the various Elders. Mordecai Einhorn, an elderly Jew with a long white beard would speak, looking down at a list as he does. "Eliyahu, we have discussed your offer, and we would like to offer you a compromise.

• The Tai government will fund the initial development of Nias, providing funds for the construction of 2,500 houses, an international airport capable of reaching at least Jerusalem, a basic government building, and other basic infrastructure needs.
• The Jewish government in Nias will maintain full independence upon our international politics.
• The Jewish government will be permitted to utilize whatever type of governance structure we deem fit, even if it is at odds with the communist ideal.
• The Jewish government will sign a non-aggression pact with the Tai government, pledging neutrality in the event of any conflicts involving your nation. With the sole exception being if Nias is threatened.
• The Jewish government will not publicly speak out against communism on the international stage.
• The Tai government will pledge to defend the Jews in Nias against any and all conflicts. The sole exception being conflicts which pose a larger risk to the Tai homeland. This is defined as if war is explicitly declared against the Tai government by a neighbouring power.
• The Jews will be granted full funding towards raising their own military, with no restrictions. This military will work in conjunction with the Tai military for the protection of Nias and of all Jews internationally. This military will not aide the Tai in any offensive military conflicts, and will only assist in defensive conflicts that pose a risk to Nias.
• A pact of cooperation will be signed between Nias and the Tai government, with both being expected to share technology and innovations with the other.
• A free trade agreement will be signed between both governments.
• The Jewish government will be permitted to institute whatever immigration checks and balances we deem fit, even to the extent of limiting Tai nationals from visiting the island as deemed necessary. However, both parties must agree to visa free travel for their citizens. Further, both governments will do what they can to limit restrictions on workers travelling between both nations, and students studying between both nations.
• The Tai government will institute freedom of religion for all Jews, and grant certain tax benefits and military exemptions to all Jews who opt to live in the Tai nation. In exchange, the Jewish government will institute freedom of religion for all people living in Nias, with the understanding that these people respect the fact that Nias is a Jewish nation.

What do you have to say?"


All the Elders would look to Eliyahu as they wait to hear what he has to say.

[Tokugawa Empire]

Eliyahu looks at Henriques before turning back to the Elders.
"I believe now is the perfect time to mention the building of a multi-runway airport on Nias that will be able to reach Jerusalem. Thats to the North and plans to build a military base for your forces in the South.
With that being said, there is a few things here that I'd like to discuss.

●We asks that if you have foreign troops stationed in Nias that you talk with Ayutthaya and make them aware.

●We will help build the military. Until which point they are able to function on their own. We will continue training and equipping at a heavily discounted rate.

●There is already freedom of religion in place, we just ask for military service of two years. This can be moved from the Tai government to the one in Nias. Thus allowing for a cohesion of troops that is unprecedented.

Other than those few things, I don't see a problem. Do you have an idea of how many possible soldiers you'd be looking to field at the start?"

He asks as he brings out a nice pen with a golden star of David on the side.

[Wabanaki Confederacy]

Mordecai pauses to think about these counter proposals, before responding. "We can agree to those terms. To begin with we were looking for around 50,000 troops, with hopes of expanding that number to 200,000. We would also hope to develop several naval vessels and fighter planes for the defense of our island in the future. We must ensure that these are included in our agreement, when we sign it."