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: Hardback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
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 and sacrifices of the Jewish people throughout history, their longing for a homeland, and the political movements that sought to establish a Jewish state in Palestine. He also explores the role of the United States, which initially opposed Zionist aspirations but later became a key supporter of the Jewish state's establishment.

The book then delves into the complex negotiations and conflicts that led to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Herf examines the role of key players such as David Ben-Gurion, Chaim Weizmann, and Winston Churchill, as well as the Palestine Arabs and Zionist organizations. He explores the political, economic, and social factors that influenced the negotiations, including the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Herf's findings reveal a spectrum of support and opposition that stood in sharp contrast to the political coordinates that emerged during the Cold War. He demonstrates that the establishment of the state of Israel was not solely a result of Zionist aspirations but also influenced by broader geopolitical considerations and the desire to prevent the spread of communism. The book challenges conventional associations of left and right, imperialism and anti-imperialism, and racism and anti-racism, highlighting the complex and multifaceted factors that shaped the creation of the state of Israel.

In conclusion, Israel's Moment is a vital contribution to the understanding of the history and politics of the Middle East. Through meticulous research and analysis, Jeffrey Herf provides a comprehensive account of the events that led to the creation of the Jewish state and challenges our understanding of the complex relationships between Israel, the Arab world, and the broader international community. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history and future of the Middle East.

Weight: 866g
Dimension: 161 x 234 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316517963