Mahal: North American Military Fighters in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

1 528 kr

Kommande

Beskrivning

This deeply researched volume uncovers the untold story of the North American men and women who joined Israel’s 1948 fight for independence. Known as Mahal (Volunteers from Abroad), these individuals risked their lives, citizenships, and futures to serve in Aliyah Bet and what became the Israel Defense Forces—the army, navy, and air force. Drawing from a 1992 questionnaire, as well as supplementary documents and research reports, this study uses a sociological lens to explicate the volunteers’ motives, backgrounds, and lasting impressions which for many was a transformative experience. From covert operations in the Mediterranean to makeshift airfields around Tel Aviv, these volunteers defied U.S. embargoes, navigated the tensions of dual loyalties, and helped shape a nation in its most vulnerable hour. It is a perfect read for historians, scholars, and students of Jewish studies and diaspora identities.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-07-26
Mått:155 x 235 x undefined mm
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Studies of Jews in Society
Förlag:Springer Nature Switzerland AG
ISBN:9783032267672

Utforska kategorier

Kulturvetenskap inom Samhälle och politik
Religion: allmänt inom Filosofi och religion
Judendom inom Filosofi och religion

Mer om författaren

Samuel Z. Klausner is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. A U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong scholar of religion, migration, and transnational identity, he has authored and edited numerous works on Middle Eastern societies and Jewish history. His deep commitment to documenting overlooked narratives is evident in this study of North American volunteers in Israel’s War of Independence.

Innehållsförteckning

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Motives: Why They Volunteered.- Chapter 3. Comparing Military Assignments and Experiences of World War II Veterans and Non-Veterans.- Chapter 4. Canadian and American Volunteers: A Comparison.- Chapter 5. From Guerilla Fighters to a Modern Army.- Chapter 6. Minority Fighters: Women and Christians.- Chapter 7. Demobilization and Reintegration.- Chapter 8. Return Trips to Israel: Pilgrimages.- Chapter 9. Closing a Chapter and Reflecting Back.- Chapter 10. Summary and Conclusions.