The Second Phase—1942-1948

During the years between Menachem Begin's arrival in Palestine and the founding of the State of Israel, he became a worldwide figure. To some, he was a beloved freedom fighter who defended the Jewish people. To others, he was a terrorist who undermined the Zionist cause. In this lecture, Professor Gordis discusses the history of Begin's time in pre-state Palestine, telling the stories of three key events that shaped Begin and impacted the nascent state: the bombing of the King David Hotel, the Sergeants affair, and the battle of Deir Yassin.

During the years between Menachem Begin’s arrival in Palestine and the founding of the State of Israel, he became a worldwide figure. To some, he was a beloved freedom fighter who defended the Jewish people. To others, he was a terrorist who undermined the Zionist cause. In this lecture, Professor Gordis discusses the history of Begin’s time in pre-state Palestine, telling the stories of three key events that shaped Begin and impacted the nascent state: the bombing of the King David Hotel, the Sergeants affair, and the battle of Deir Yassin.