Terror Out Of Zion: The Shock Troops of Israeli Independence

by J. Bowyer Bell

shows normal wear

Genres: History, Israel, Middle East, Nonfiction, Terrorism

468 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a committed Zionist such as myself, this book is an uncomfortable read. The contribution of terrorist groups such as Irgun Zvai Leumi and LEHI to the independence of Israel has also been an embarrassment to successive governments of that country, for whom terrorism by their opponents has been a major problem, which they have been quick to condemn in absolute terms that might appear to be more than slightly hypocritical. Bowyer-Bell's book, while accepting the reality and value of the Israeli state, is nevertheless an uncompromising and detailed account of the history of terrorism on both Arab and Jewish sides.

Bell is an American academic and Gentile, who had previously written extensively about Irish terrorist groups. I have no idea if he feels any particular affinity with Israel, although he appears to have formed a good, mutually respectful relationship with Menachem Begin, commander of the Irgun and later Israeli Prime Minister. His account of the terrorist campaign in Palestine, starting with Arab attacks on Jews in the 1920s, is extraordinarily detailed. This detail is never compromised, and applies equally to the shortcomings, planning failures, and murderous outbreaks of both Arabs and Jews in the period following the 1917 Balfour Declaration and culminating in the 1948 War of Independence.

Bell is both clearsighted and straightforward in his descriptions and analysis. This is a valuable and uncompromising account of a difficult period in modern history, whose relevance continues to reverberate to the present day.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive and detailed account of Israel's birth, particularly focused on the Irgun and Lehi, and their revolution against the British for independence. This book is meticulously researched and spares no detail (in fact, my only tiny complaint is that perhaps there is too *much* detail, causing the reader to get bogged down just a little bit from time to time).

There were many stories that are well known—but when told in the broader context as presented in this book together with the lesser-known stories, they form a clearer narrative of the history, and help provide a better understanding of the motives and circumstances behind various decisions.

One thing I've taken from this book in particular: although I've been an admirer of Menachem Begin long before I even read this book, this book actually opened my eyes even more so to just how much of a determined—and principled—hero Begin was. As a fighter, as a leader, as a Jew, and as a statesman. He stood for certain values that—unlike many politicians today—he would never compromise even though it cost him almost 3 decades in the opposition. He stood firm, though, and his ideals and unbending principles ultimately won out and brought some of the most historic victories to Israel—both military and diplomatic.

All in all, though, whether you're an admirer or a detractor—or even not interested particularly in Begin himself—this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the tumultuous backdrop and the difficult birth of Israel as the world's only Jewish state, the one and only place in the world where Jews have fought to reacquire their land from generations prior, a safe haven from persecution at the hands of the world's majorities, where anti-Semitism tends to historically rear its ugly head generation after generation.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty fascinating piece of history, who wouldve thought "jewish terrorism" was a thing

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this paperback in the dusty corner of a used bookstore and I think I know why.
The writing style is frustratingly inconsistent. Bell can create vibrant and moving scenes and provide thoughtful analysis in one paragraph, then go back to profuse name dropping and listing events like he's writing a police report in another.
At times, he pushes back on the "standard" Zionist narrative, but in many cases he accepts it unquestioningly. The book is poorly organized, vaguely chronological with interminably long chapters that do a mediocre job of breaking the narrative into discrete events (The Hebron Riots, The assassination of Lord Moynes, Deir Yassin etc.)
Though published in 1978, I must assume that the manuscript predates Likud (and Begin's) electoral victory in Israel, and the rise of Kahane and the JDL as players in the Diaspora. Bell characterizes Begin and the scion of revisionism as perenial underdogs to Labor's hedgemony of Liberal Zionism.
The main thesis of this book is that the Irgun and LEHI should be considered anti-Imperial British revolutionary "terrorists" in the same vein as independence movements in Ireland, South Asia, East Africa etc. Seemingly, Bell has not consulted anyone Palestinian, Irish, South Asian, or East African for their thoughts on the matter.
Both fervent Zionist and Anti-Zionists will find useful historical information in this book, which at least, is well indexed. The reader will get a sense of Menachem Begin as an unapologetic terrorist but skilled propagandist, details on dozens of assassinations, bombings, and jailbreaks (some failed, some successful). At best, I'd consider this book a good reference but poor political analysis.

[Daniel Spangler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot but it was very hard to get through. I felt like there was too much time spent on detailed accounts of specific events. They were great stories but were a little distracting if you are trying to get your head around the bigger picture.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of names makes it a little confusing but by far the most complete and neutral read on the surprising events that formed the State of Israel.