Israel and the Holocaust

The Holocaust and the creation of the state of Israel have a complex relationship. The memory of the Holocaust has been a constant presence in Israeli politics,culture,and society,but the State of Israel has struggled to accept hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors as new citizens. This has led to shifting conceptions of Israeli self-understanding and identity,Israels relationship to the wider world,its neighbors,the Jewish Diaspora,and the Jewish past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Avinoam Patt delves into the intricate relationship between two pivotal events in modern Jewish history: the Holocaust and the establishment of the state of Israel. While it may not be possible to establish a direct causal link between these two events, the memory of the Holocaust has permeated Israeli politics, culture, and society since even before the state's founding in 1948. The State of Israel has always grappled with its complex relationship with the Shoah. On the one hand, Israel faced the daunting task of welcoming hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors as new citizens, many of whom were hesitant to share their traumatic wartime experiences with their fellow citizens. On the other hand, the destruction of European Jewry and the failure of Western democracy to safeguard the Jewish minority in Europe seemed to validate the Zionist worldview, even as classical Zionism argued for the Jewish people's right to a state based on their deep historical connection to the Land of Israel. By tracing the evolving relationship to the memory of the Shoah, Avinoam Patt argues that we can also trace shifting conceptions of Israeli self-understanding and identity, Israel's relationship with the broader world, its neighbors, the Jewish Diaspora, and the Jewish past.

Israel and the Holocaust meticulously explores these tensions and analyzes the evolving nature of Israel's relationship with the Shoah. What emerges is a surprising finding: rather than weakening over time, the memory of the Holocaust seems to strengthen with each passing year. This book offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complex dynamics that shape Israel's relationship with the Holocaust, shedding light on the ways in which it has influenced Israeli society, politics, and culture.

One of the key themes explored in Israel and the Holocaust is the impact of the Holocaust on Israeli identity. The survivors of the Holocaust have left an indelible mark on Israeli society, shaping the country's collective memory and sense of self. The trauma of the Holocaust has led to a deep-seated sense of insecurity and vulnerability among Israelis, as well as a strong commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. However, the memory of the Holocaust has also led to a sense of pride and resilience among Israelis, who view their country as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Another important aspect of Israel's relationship with the Holocaust is its impact on Israeli politics. The memory of the Holocaust has been used as a tool by political parties to gain support and consolidate power. Israeli leaders have often invoked the memory of the Holocaust to justify military actions, such as the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and to argue for the need for a strong and secure Israel. However, the memory of the Holocaust has also been used as a catalyst for reconciliation and healing, as Israeli leaders have worked to build bridges with the Palestinian people and promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel and the Holocaust also explores the complex relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. The Holocaust has led to a deep sense of solidarity among Jews around the world, as survivors and their descendants have come together to support each other and fight for justice and equality. However, the memory of the Holocaust has also led to divisions within the Jewish community, as some have argued that the focus on the Holocaust has overshadowed other forms of antisemitism and discrimination.

In conclusion, Israel and the Holocaust is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex relationship between Israel and the Holocaust. Avinoam Patt's meticulous research and analysis shed light on the ways in which the memory of the Holocaust has shaped Israeli society, politics, and culture, and the ways in which it continues to influence the country's identity and relationships with the wider world. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and culture of Israel, as well as the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the Middle East.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350188341