1st Edition

The Israeli Defence Forces and the Foundation of Israel Utopia in Uniform

By Ze'ev Drory Copyright 2005
    278 Pages
    by Routledge

    278 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book discusses the contribution of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to the building of the social and educational foundations of the country, and its role in the area of immigrant absorption and settlement during the first years of the Israeli State. The author examines how under the guidance of David Ben-Gurion Israel was able to utilize the values of military organization to combat severe, economic, and social difficulties, and build a civil society to underpin the new state.

    Introduction  1. David Ben-Gurion's Position and Influence in Shaping the State  2. The Israel Defence Force and Settlement  3. The Nahal  4. Army Assistant for Transit Camp Residents  5. IDF Activity in Education and Culture  6. The Gadna - Its Activities and Educational Role.  Conclusion

    Biography

    Ze'ev Drory is Director of the Military and Defence Studies programme at the Department of History, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. He is the author of Israel's Reprisal Policy, 1935-1956 (Frank Cass, 2004).