Glossary:
"Q"

Qabbala

See kabala.

Qaraite

See karaite.

Qassam

A short range missile developed by Hamas and used to attack Israeli targets.

Qibya Raid

In retaliation for an infiltration from Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three civilians on October 14-15, 1953 in the village of Yehud in Israel, a raid was conducted by Unit 101, an antiterrorist unit operated by Ariel Sharon. The raid was the first major Israeli military operation against Jordan and resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers and 60 civilians. Opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Sharett, condemned by the United Nations Security Council, the raid did accomplish a reduction of attacks from Jordan.

Qualitative Military Edge

The military-technological advantage that Israel Defense Forces try to maintain in order to offset the numerical superiority of Arab armed forces it may face in future wars. This edge has eroded in recent years, as Arab states purchased more sophisticated arms. The United States has pledged to support Israel's qualitative military edge through security assistance and technological transfers.

Qumran or Khirbet Qumran

The site near the northwest corner of the Dead Sea in modern Israel where the main bulk of the Jewish “Dead Sea Scrolls” were discovered around 1946. The “Qumran community” that apparently produced the scrolls seems to have flourished from the 3rd century B.C.E. to the 1st century CE, and is usually identified with the Jewish Essenes, or a group like them.

Quneitra

A town in the Golan Heights that was captured by Israel in 1967 but returned to Syria in 1974. Before withdrawing, Israel destroyed all of the village’s houses. As a result, Syria has left the city in ruins to publicize its opposition to Israel.

Qur’an (Koran)

Arabic Al Qur'an, “The Recitation.” The sacred scriptures of Islam, the religion of the Muslims dictated to Muhammad by the Archangel Gabriel.

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