Based on recently declassified documents and more than two hundred interviews, I Am My Brothers Keeper tells the story of the more than one thousand Americans and Canadians, Jews and non-Jews, who fought in Israels War of Independence. This is a story a
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Upon the partition of Palestine in 1948, the Jewish side semiclandestinely raised funds, bought planes, and recruited pilots for its yet-to-be-created air force. About 1,000 Americans and Canadians with combat experience volunteered, and they flew an eclectic collection of aircraft left over from World War II, including, ironically, the German-designed ME-109. The Weisses have interviewed about 200 of those volunteers, eliciting their motives for enlisting in the Israeli cause and explaining their critical contribution in fending off the Arab forces. Operational detail on the level of individual sorties is the central interest, enhanced by an extensive illustration program (at least 100 photographs are planned). When the war ended in 1949, the volunteers filtered back home to resume their lives, and one was jailed for illegally exporting B-17s. Specialized military memories for serious students of the birth of Israel. Gilbert Taylor
Review
I Am My Brother's Keeper chronicles the involvement and perils faced by North Americans of all faiths who witnessed and shared the horror of the Holocaust and yearned for the rebirth of Israel, a safe haven for Jews of the world. The exploits of hovevei Zion, lovers of Zion, and supporters of the Jewish state who fought in Israel's war for independence are graphically portrayed in this labor of love.
The American spirit has always prized freedom and democracy. From Zionists like Mickey Marcus, graduate of the Military Academy at West Point and Paul Shulman, a graduate of the Unites States Naval Academy, who served with distinction during World War II, to lovers of democracy like American Indian Jessie Slade and Canadian flyer Len Fitchett, this book is filled with the sagas of which dreams are made.20
The history of the Aliyah Bet ships, S.S. Abril, S. S. Paducah and S. S. Northland, serves as a vignette of the life of David Guttman, a merchant marine seaman whose loyalties to Israel were torn between the Irgun and the Stern Group. Tribute is paid to David Selznick, the Broadway producer, who supported the cause, and to Ben Hecht, the playwright, who wrote A Flag Is Born. Its success on Broadway contributed over a million dollars to the Irgun.
The tragedy of the S. S. Warfield, renamed the Exodus is revealed. The book also describes British attempts to prevent immigration and the clever schemes to circumvent their para-military actions.
A diversion into the work of the Haganah on the eve of Arab invasion after the UN partition plan sets the stage for the following chapters. Anecdotal accounts retell the life of Canadian Air Ace George Beurling, a non-Jew, and his recruitment into the fledgling Israeli Air Force. An entire chapter is devoted to the birth of Service Airways, the supply arm of the Haganah, and its field operations.
I Am My Brother's Keeper contains anecdotal and historical information that is guaranteed to spark the interest of any reader. The only successful bombing raid on Cairo is meticulously detailed. The birth of the Israeli Air Force and its successes in legendary dog fights above the Negev desert are brought to life. Individuals who sacrificed education and status are portrayed with clarity and forcefulness. The human tragedy is painfully recounted even in the midst of the glee and glory of the triumph of the Israeli military machine.
I Am My Brother's Keeper has something for everyone. If you are a history buff, the events are well documented. If you have nostalgic recollection of this period, the book will bring tears to your eyes. If you wish to reacquaint yourself with the events of Israel's emergence from the ashes of the Holocaust, this is the book to read.
One of the less known parts of the liberation saga is the role played by American and Canadian volunteers. Their contribution to the struggle for liberation - which to most military experts in the world seemed doomed to failure - was crucial and effective. They brought with them WW II experience, Western efficiency, exemplary dedication and infinite courage. -- Commander Jonathan A. Panitz, United States Navy, Chaplain
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Collection of Some Amazing Stories,
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This review is from: I Am My Brother's Keeper (Hardcover)
I don't know if i've ever read a book that was just so jam packed with so many amazing stories about how dedicated the Jewish people were to obtaining a hold on part of the land of Israel. This book is a refreshing read of commitment to a cause, putting oneself aside to serve the greater cause. This book is so well written, it is incredibly difficult to put down and you'll be telling everyone the amazing stories found within. The authors do a great job of weaving the interviews together, taking the reader all the way through the battle for the Land of Israel. This is a compilation of the stories of so many people who were fighting for a people that were not their own, too. From a Native American to normal Americans struck with the plight of the displaced Jews throughout Europe.A must read for anyone with an interest in the subject or just someone who likes some amazing stories.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC, THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ.,
By A Customer
This review is from: I Am My Brother's Keeper (Hardcover)
EVERY ONE IN THE WORLD SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN ONCE YOU START IT. THE AUTHORS HAVE DONE A SUPER JOB IN RESEARCH. ANY ONE THAT HAS EVER BEEN IN AVIATION SHOUL HAVE A GREAT INTEREST IN READING THIS BOOK. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE NEVER KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WAR IN ISRAEL AND SHOULD KNOW ALL THE FRUSTRATIONS AND FACTS. THE AUTHORS HAVE A TENDENCY TO WANDER BUT THEY HAVE CREATED AN EXCELLENT BOOK.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Could not put this one down. A facinating book !,
By A Customer
This review is from: I Am My Brother's Keeper (Hardcover)
True stories about Americans who volunteered to serve Israel at the time of her struggle for Independance. Americans can be proud of the military contributions they made to the fledgling zionist state with extremely limited military resources struggling against powerful Arab countries.
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