Israel's Impact, 1950-51: A Personal Record

by Allen Lesser

Overview

Studies and analyzes the changes and other developments in the American Jewish community, its organizations and leadership, as it reacted to the Holocaust and the establishment of an independent state of Israel. Based on the author's first-hand reporting of events which appeared in his weekly newsletter, Cross-Section, USA, the author examines the changes in the Zionist movement, in religion, culture, news services, and the entire structure of Jewish philanthropy, as well as the United States' formulation of a iddle East policy and naval strategy in the Mediterranean at that time. Also includes descriptions of such colorful personalities as Louis Lipsky, Jacob Blaustein, Rabbi Milton Steinberg, and Rudolf Sonneborn, among others. Intended for Jewish professionals in local federations, welfare funds and community councils, for Jewish social workers, and students of Judaic studies.'

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780819141262
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	07/16/1984
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.16(d)

Editorial Reviews

This volume is a fascinating and important source of historical information that records and analyzes the people and events central to the development of the special set of circumstances that define the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish community.

American Jewish Archives Journal

What is so remarkable is that many of the problems unsolved then still remain unsolved today. Israel became much stronger and much more central to American Jewish life after the Six-Day War. The giants mentioned in the book like Ben-Gurion, Jacob Blaustein, and Abba Hillel Silver have disappeared and we feel more than ever their absence. Mr. Lesser should be complimented on having written this book, which is a reminder of the struggles of the 1950s.

American Jewish Archives Journal - Jacques Torczyner

I find in the book information on a crucial period of Jewish life and exciting material that has not been published elsewhere. Although Mr. Lesser defines the book as a 'personal record,' it is more than that. It is also a treatise that includes objective analysis of trends and organizations in the Jewish community that go beyond the years which the book covers. Further, though the title implies that the book deals only with Israel, what it reveals about the American Jewish community is, just as important, and comprehensive. I am pleased to recommend it enthusiastically.

American Jewish Archives Journal - Benjamin M. Kahn

...a very interesting and valuable study. American Jewish historians will enjoy reading it; it is a mine of information.

American Jewish Archives Journal - Jacob R. Marcus

...a very interesting and valuable study. American Jewish historians will enjoy reading it; it is a mine of information.

Jacob R. Marcusn Jewish Archives Journal

What is so remarkable is that many of the problems unsolved then still remain unsolved today. Israel became much stronger and much more central to American Jewish life after the Six-Day War. The giants mentioned in the book like Ben-Gurion, Jacob Blaustein, and Abba Hillel Silver have disappeared and we feel more than ever their absence. Mr. Lesser should be complimented on having written this book, which is a reminder of the struggles of the 1950s.

Jacques Torczynern Jewish Archives Journal

I find in the book information on a crucial period of Jewish life and exciting material that has not been published elsewhere. Although Mr. Lesser defines the book as a 'personal record,' it is more than that. It is also a treatise that includes objective analysis of trends and organizations in the Jewish community that go beyond the years which the book covers. Further, though the title implies that the book deals only with Israel, what it reveals about the American Jewish community is, just as important, and comprehensive. I am pleased to recommend it enthusiastically.

Benjamin M. Kahnn Jewish Archives Journal