Beyond this, he had a significant role in the history of the Jews and the Land of Israel.
In countries that Napoléon conquered, he extended France’s exalted ideals, abolishing laws that limited Jews’ rights to property (opening the ghettos), to worship and to take part in a greater range of occupations.
It is unclear why he advocated such “liberal” policies – whether from a deep-seated belief in universal human rights or a desire to see Jews assimilate and become a greater French asset. There are also examples of antisemitic beliefs in his writings, as well as indications that he favored recreating a national home for the Jews in the Land of Israel. His reign was relatively short, but the overall effect of his actions on Jews was a game-changer in many places.
It is known that the French established a military headquarters in Ramle.
The end of the French ambitions in this region came shortly after with the siege of Acre, which Napoléon expected to fall quickly but the Ottomans, vigorously reinforced by locals and significant well-equipped British troops, including naval forces, held out for two months (March to May 1799) and ultimately repelled the French, who admitted defeat – and their dream to march on to Jerusalem was forever abandoned.
Had the French prevailed in Acre, the history of this region would likely have been unquestionably different.