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.