I was always taught that the persecuted Jews of Europe were given a homeland in the Middle East to make up for what happened in WWII. I doubt this because genocides have happened before and since without a new state being formed in so foreign a land. I have also heard conspiracy theories that I don't want to believe either. So historians, give it to me straight.
hi! direct responses to your specific questions are welcome, but FYI, there have been loads of questions on the formation of Israel in this sub; get started on these
How did Israel form? - the TL;DR, with a link to the FAQ for more info
Why was Israel given their current lands rather than utilizing part of Germany at the end of WWII? - more discussion
Why do Jews consider Israel to be their homeland? - some background