Shabtai Teveth (1925 – 1 November 2014) was an Israeli historian and author. He was born in 1925 and grew up in the workers' quarters at the Migdal Tzedek quarry, where his father worked, near Petah Tikva. He began working as a journalist for the newspaper Haaretz in 1950, eventually becoming its political correspondent. In 1981, he was appointed senior research fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University.
Teveth is best known for his biographies of prominent Israeli figures, including David Ben-Gurion, Moshe Dayan, and Menachem Begin. He also wrote extensively about the Arab-Israeli conflict and the history of Zionism. His work has been praised for its depth, clarity, and fairness.
- Ben-Gurion and the Palestinian Arabs: From Peace to War (1985): In this book, Teveth argues that Ben-Gurion was ultimately responsible for the failure to reach a peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. He contends that Ben-Gurion's rejection of a two-state solution and his emphasis on Jewish immigration and territorial expansion made war inevitable.
- Moshe Dayan: The Soldier, the Man, the Myth (1973): Teveth's biography of Moshe Dayan is a fascinating and nuanced portrait of one of Israel's most complex and controversial figures. Dayan was a brilliant military strategist, but he was also a deeply flawed individual who made many mistakes. Teveth does not shy away from exploring Dayan's dark side, but he also gives him credit for his courage, intelligence, and charisma.
- Ben-Gurion: The Burning Ground 1886-1948 (1987): This is Teveth's most comprehensive biography of Ben-Gurion. It covers the entire span of Ben-Gurion's life, from his birth in Poland to his death in Israel. Teveth paints a vivid picture of Ben-Gurion as a complex and driven figure who was instrumental in the founding of the State of Israel.
Teveth's work has been translated into many languages and is widely read in Israel and around the world. He is considered one of the most important historians of modern Israel.
In addition to his biographies, Teveth also wrote several other books on Israeli history, including The Tanks of Tammuz (1969), The Cursed Blessing: The Story Of Israel's Occupation Of The West Bank (1980), and Ben-Gurion's Spy: The Story of the Political Scandal that Shaped Modern Israel (1999).
The Jewish exodus from the Muslim world to Israel, primarily occurring between 1948 and 1972, was a complex and multifaceted event with deep historical roots and lasting consequences. Here's a breakdown of the exodus and the challenges faced by the immigrants in their new homeland:
Exodus:
- Causes: The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 sparked a rise in anti-Jewish sentiment in many Muslim-majority countries. This was fueled by a combination of factors, including:
- Arab-Israeli conflict: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Arab states created a sense of insecurity and suspicion towards Jews.
- Pan-Arab nationalism: The rise of pan-Arab nationalism often conflated Zionism with colonialism and imperialism, leading to hostility towards Jews.
- Internal political instability: Some governments used Jews as scapegoats for internal problems, inciting violence and discrimination.
- Expulsion and flight: Over 850,000 Jews were forced to leave their homes in Muslim-majority countries, primarily Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Morocco. This happened through:
- Formal expulsions: Some governments issued official decrees expelling Jews or restricting their rights.
- Pogroms and violence: Anti-Jewish riots and mob attacks forced many Jews to flee for their lives.
- Economic pressure and discrimination: Confiscation of property, job restrictions, and social exclusion made it difficult for Jews to remain.
- Operation Magic Carpet: The Israeli government undertook massive airlifts to bring Jewish refugees to Israel, particularly from Yemen and Iraq.
Difficulties in Israel:
- Cultural and social challenges: The Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews from Muslim-majority countries faced significant cultural and social differences upon arrival in Israel, which was dominated by Ashkenazi Jews from Europe. This led to:
- Language barriers: Many immigrants didn't speak Hebrew initially, making communication and integration difficult.
- Different customs and traditions: Clashes in religious practices, dietary habits, and social norms caused friction.
- Stereotypes and prejudice: Some Ashkenazi Jews held negative stereotypes about Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews, contributing to discrimination.
- Economic hardship: The influx of immigrants placed a huge strain on Israel's young economy. Many immigrants faced:
- Unemployment and poverty: Lack of skills and recognition of foreign qualifications led to difficulties finding jobs.
- Shortage of housing: Many immigrants were forced to live in overcrowded and makeshift housing.
- Limited access to education and healthcare: Resources were stretched thin, making it difficult for immigrants to access essential services.
Legacy:
Despite the challenges, the Jewish exodus from the Muslim world significantly shaped Israeli society. Today, Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews make up a majority of the Israeli population and have enriched its cultural and religious landscape. However, the legacy of discrimination and hardship continues to be felt by some communities.
