Nadene Goldfoot
World War II started on September 1, 1939, initiated by Adolf Hitler. In only 10 months, he conquered all of Europe.
Then He went to North Africa. His goal was to cut off the supply lines of Great Britain by capturing the Suez Canal. From Suez, it would be a short leap to Palestine, where he could exterminate the Jews, just as he was murdering them in Europe.
From Palestine, he also could easily swallow up the oil fields of the Middle East.
The Arabs were eager for a Nazi victory. some of the Arab leaders gave only quiet support to the German cause. Others worked actively for Hitler. One spent the war in Berlin, broadcasting to the Arab people the order to "RISE UP AGAINST BRITAIN AND HER ALLIES."
Muhammad Anwar el-Sadat December 25, 1918-October 6, 1981
The British arrested those who were pro-Nazi when they could. One of those sent to prison was Anwar Sadat, a man destined to become a key figure in the history of the Middle East.
The Striking arm of the Haganah, set up in May 1941, The Palmach Unit, here some of 300 pictures as yet unidentified. They worked until May 1948 underground, and became part of IDF upon statehood.Nazis were also setting up bases in Syria. the British wanted these bases destroyed, but could not spare soldiers for the task. They turned to the Yishuv for a solution. A special Jewish strike force was created by the Haganah. The new group was called THE PALMACH. It was a very efficient commando unit, and soon the enemy bases in Syria were in ruins.
Still, the Germans in North Africa marched east, closer and closer to the vital Suez Canal. The British took their stand at El Alamein, just 70 miles west of Alexandria, Egypt, and only 200 miles from the Suez Canal. The British army, joined by many Jews of the Yishuv, held its ground. the Nazi advance was at last turned back. The tide of war began to turn in favor of the Allies. The Suez Canal---and the Yishuv, were safe.
Now that Britain no longer needed the help of the Jews of Palestine, it promptly extended a hand of friendship to the Arabs. The pro-Nazi Arabs were treated as allies. The Jews who had helped defend the Suez Canal were treated as enemies. Though the British needed solders, they said they would accept volunteers from Palestine only if Jews and Arabs enlisted in equal numbers. Very few Arabs were interested in fighting the Nazis, while thousands of Palestinian Jews were eager to help destroy Hitler. By insisting on being "even-handed," the British kept many Jews from fighting to save their fellow Jews in Europe.
It was September 1944 before an official Jewish army unit was permitted. the Jewish Brigade fought valiantly, was one of the 1st units to make contact with survivors of the Nazi death camps, and played an important role in rescuing and caring for Jewish survivors.
Moshe Dayan, (May 20, 1915-October 16, 1981) a founder of the Palmach, later one of Israel's great leaders.
Britain's constantly shifting attitudes had a deep effect on a man who one day became one of Israel's great military leaders. The man was Moshe Dayan. He was the 1st child born in Palestine's 1st communal kibbutzim, Degania Alef. From his early years, he took part in the Yishuv's defense, and joined the Haganah. When WWII erupted, the British were afraid that the Haganah would fight the Arabs while the British were fighting Germany. Dayan and 42 other Haganah officers were arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Then the British realized they needed a Jewish task force to attack Syria, so they released the Haganah men.
Cuba was seen as a temporary transit point to get to America and officials at the Cuban embassy in Berlin were offering visas for about $200 or $300 each - $3,000 to $5,000 (£1,800 to £3,000) at today's prices.
“Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame.
Blessed is the flame that burns in the heart's secret places.
Blessed is the heart that knows, for honors sake, to stop its beating.
Blessed is the match, consumed in kindling flame.”
―
Resource:
A Young Person's History of Israel, 2nd edition, by David Bamberger
The New Standard Jewish Encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmach
https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Match-Death-Hannah-Senesh/dp/B003LB2AFI
https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/blessed-is-the-match/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Szenes
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hannah-senesh
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