Menachem Begin summary

Early Life and Political Awakening

In Menachem Begin by Daniel Gordis, we delve into the life of a man who was to become one of the most influential leaders in Israeli history. Begin was born in 1913 in Brest-Litovsk, a town that was part of the Russian Empire at the time. The Begin family was deeply affected by the horrors of the Holocaust, with Menachem losing his father and brother to the Nazis. These experiences profoundly shaped Begin's political views and his unwavering commitment to the Jewish state.

Begin's political awakening began during his student days, when he joined the youth movement, Betar, founded by the Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky. Begin was deeply influenced by Jabotinsky's vision of a Jewish state, and this marked the beginning of his life-long dedication to the Zionist cause. Gordis paints a vivid picture of Begin's formative years, portraying him as a charismatic, passionate, and determined young man.

Underground Resistance and Leadership

With the outbreak of World War II, Begin was arrested by the Soviet secret police and sent to a labor camp in Siberia. He managed to escape and made his way to Palestine, which was then under British rule. In Palestine, Begin joined the Irgun, a militant Jewish organization that was fighting to end British control and establish a Jewish state. Begin quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the Irgun's leader.

Under Begin's leadership, the Irgun carried out a series of daring attacks against British targets, including the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, which housed the British administrative headquarters. The King David Hotel bombing, in particular, had a significant impact on the British decision to leave Palestine. Gordis presents Begin as a controversial figure during this period, admired by his followers but reviled by many others for his militant tactics.

Political Career and Prime Ministership

After Israel declared independence in 1948, Begin dissolved the Irgun and formed a political party, Herut, which represented the more right-wing, nationalist elements in Israeli society. Begin led Herut for many years, serving as the opposition leader to the dominant Labor Party. It wasn't until 1977, after decades in the political wilderness, that Begin and his party won a historic victory, ending almost 30 years of Labor Party rule.

As Prime Minister, Begin made history by signing a peace treaty with Egypt in 1979, a move that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. Gordis describes how this landmark achievement was the result of Begin's courage and willingness to take bold risks for the sake of peace. However, Begin's tenure was also marked by controversy, particularly with his handling of the Lebanon War in 1982, which tarnished his reputation both at home and abroad.

Legacy and Final Years

In the later years of his life, Begin struggled with personal tragedies, including the death of his wife, Aliza. These losses, combined with the fallout from the Lebanon War, took a heavy toll on Begin's health and well-being. In 1983, he shocked the nation by announcing his resignation as Prime Minister, effectively retiring from public life.

After leaving office, Begin lived in seclusion until his death in 1992. Despite the controversies and setbacks, Begin's legacy endures. He is remembered as a passionate patriot, a staunch defender of Israel's security, and a leader who was willing to make difficult decisions for the sake of peace. In Menachem Begin, Gordis offers a comprehensive and balanced portrait of a complex and influential figure in Israeli history.