Date

10-16-2024

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Stephen T. Neese

Keywords

American Zionism, Haganah, Israel, Near East Military History, British Mandate of Palestine, American Haganah, Rev John S Grauel, Rabbi Herbert Friedman

Disciplines

History

Abstract

Modern-day Israel’s history includes countless examples of conflict, courage, endurance, and victory. The reconstitution of the Jewish nation in the Holy Land had no guarantee or certainty of success. In May 1948, five openly hostile Arab nations stood ready to invade Israel. This dissertation breaks down how by an incredible turn of events that includes a critical group of American Zionists and volunteer Haganah members, the fledgling Jewish nation was able to defend its land and people. A vital component to the strength and endurance of the Jewish people and the Haganah, a defensive force, was made possible because of the spirit of Ein Brera, Hebrew for no choice. After 2,000 years, an extraordinary series of wars, upheaval in Western politics, and the steadfast faith of American Zionists helped the diaspora return to Eretz Yisrael. In this analysis, the lenses of American ideology, politics, and military history help uncover how Americans were significant to the Yishuv’s ability to secure statehood. Primary sources are the best evidence for revealing the how and why behind Israel’s remarkable emergence on 14 May 1948. Only through comparing a comprehensive number of correspondences, memoirs, contextual articles, official documents, and interviews is it possible to glean the complexity and truth of American Zionism and how it contributed to the successful pursuit of Zionist goals in the Holy Land. Shining light on the complexities of Israel’s history affirms why the subject will always be pertinent to understanding conflicts in the Middle East.

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