An Unreasonable Man

Pinchas Rutenberg was a Russian revolutionary and assassin who played a key role in electrifying Palestine and developing its agricultural and industrial sectors. He also initiated Palestine Airways and was heavily involved in negotiations with the British Government and Arab leaders. Despite his significant contributions, he was largely neglected in English literature, leading to this biography's attempt to rectify that neglect.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Pinchas Rutenberg, a Russian revolutionary and assassin, played a pivotal role in electrifying Palestine in numerous ways. Hailing from a revolutionary background, he plotted the assassination of Lenin and Trotsky, ultimately evading the Bolsheviks and finding refuge at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. During this conference, Rutenberg successfully persuaded British leaders to grant him the concession to establish a hydro-electric plant on the Jordan River in Palestine. Described as a charismatic and determined individual, he navigated through fierce opposition in the British Parliament and the Zionist movement, ultimately securing the necessary approvals for his project.

Rutenberg's power plants were instrumental in providing electricity to virtually the entire territory of Palestine during the 1920s and '30s. This development, more than anything else, facilitated the agricultural and industrial growth of a land that had been neglected for generations. Beyond his contributions to electricity, Rutenberg initiated Palestine Airways, which later became EL Al, and assumed the leadership role of the Jewish population in Palestine. In this capacity, he engaged in extensive negotiations with the British Government and its Mandatory administration, striving tirelessly to forge a peace deal with Arab leaders, including King Abdullah of Jordan.

Rutenberg's legacy is remarkable, yet his story has been relatively overlooked in English literature. This biography aims to rectify this neglect, shedding light on the life and accomplishments of this historic figure. His determination, vision, and unwavering commitment to the development of Palestine left an indelible mark on the region's history, and his impact continues to be felt today.

Weight: 884g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805140634