Israel's Moment: International Support for and Opposition to Establishing the Jewish State, 1945-1949

Jeffrey Herf's Israel's Moment provides a new perspective on the political realities that underpinned support for and opposition to Zionist aspirations in Palestine, challenging conventional associations of left and right, imperialism and anti-imperialism, and racism and anti-racism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 518 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Israel's Moment is a groundbreaking new book that delves into the intricate process of creating a Jewish state amidst the backdrop of World War Two, the Holocaust, and the onset of the Cold War. Through extensive research in government, public, and private archives, Jeffrey Herf unveils the political realities that shaped support for and opposition to Zionist aspirations in Palestine. This comprehensive international account explores the roles of the United States, Arab States, Palestine Arabs, Zionists, and key European governments from Britain and France to the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Herf's findings shed light on a diverse range of perspectives, challenging conventional associations of left and right, imperialism and anti-imperialism, racism, and anti-racism.

The book begins by examining the historical context of the Middle East, including the rise of European colonialism and the emergence of Jewish nationalism. Herf highlights the struggles of the Jewish people throughout history, from the Holocaust to the establishment of the State of Israel. He also explores the political ideologies of Zionism, which advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Herf's research reveals a complex web of political alliances and rivalries that played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He examines the role of the United States, which provided financial and military support to Israel during its early years, as well as the Arab States, which opposed Zionist aspirations and sought to undermine the fledgling state. The Palestine Arabs, who were divided between those who supported the establishment of a Palestinian state and those who aligned with the Arab League, also played a significant role.

Herf also delves into the internal dynamics of the Zionist movement, including the debates and divisions within the Jewish community over the best way to achieve Zionist goals. He explores the role of key individuals such as David Ben-Gurion, who led the Zionist movement in Palestine, and Chaim Weizmann, who played a crucial role in securing international support for the state of Israel.

The book also sheds light on the role of European governments, particularly Britain and France, in the establishment of the state of Israel. Herf examines the diplomatic negotiations that led to the creation of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947, which divided the territory into two states, one for Jews and one for Arabs. He also explores the subsequent Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which erupted shortly after the plan's implementation and has continued to this day.

Through his meticulous research and analysis, Herf challenges conventional narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and offers a fresh perspective on the complex history and politics of the region. He highlights the role of ideology, power, and identity in shaping the conflict, and emphasizes the need for a peaceful resolution that recognizes the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel's Moment is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and politics of the Middle East, as well as the ongoing struggle for peace and justice in the region. Herf's book provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the events that led to the establishment of the state of Israel, and offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that continue to shape the region today.

Weight: 835g
ISBN-13: 9781009048712