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: Hardback
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 explores these tensions and analyzes the evolving nature of Israel's relationship to the Shoah, revealing that it paradoxically seems to strengthen over time. The book delves into the complex interplay between the state's founding principles, the trauma of the Holocaust, and the ongoing struggle for Jewish identity and survival. It sheds light on the challenges faced by Holocaust survivors in integrating into Israeli society, as well as the complex dynamics between Israel and its neighbors, particularly the Arab world. Through a comprehensive examination of historical documents, personal accounts, and scholarly research, Avinoam Patt provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the Holocaust and its enduring impact on Israeli society.

In conclusion, Israel and the Holocaust is a crucial contribution to the study of modern Jewish history and the ongoing struggle for Jewish identity. By examining the complex relationship between the Holocaust and the establishment of the state of Israel, Avinoam Patt offers a fresh perspective on this critical period. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by Holocaust survivors, the complexities of Israeli politics, and the enduring impact of the Shoah on Israeli society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history and contemporary challenges of the Jewish people.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350188358