Holidays of the Revolution: Communist Identity in Israel (1919-1965)

From the ashes of World War I, a wind of change swept across the world as revolutionary ideas made their way into the hearts and minds of the people. Israel, a nation founded on the principles of democracy and Zionism, would also experience the lasting impact of communism during the early 20th century.

The Rise of Communism in Israel

Amidst the tumultuous times, the seeds of communism started to take root in Israel. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, inspired by the Russian Revolution of 1917, brought with them a desire for social equality and a political system that aimed to remove class distinctions.

Holidays of the Revolution: Communist Identity in Israel, 1919-1965

by Aislin(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

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By the 1920s, communist ideologies had gained a foothold in Israel, finding a home amidst the newly established kibbutzim. These communal settlements embraced the principles of sharing resources, collective labor, and egalitarianism, making them fertile ground for the spread of communist ideas.

Holidays of the Revolution

The celebration of holidays played an integral role in the formation and perpetuation of communist identity in Israel. These holidays served as platforms for communists to rally the masses, inspire unity, and foster a sense of belonging among the working class.

One of the most significant holidays was May Day, also known as International Workers' Day. Celebrated on the 1st of May, it became a symbol of the working class movement worldwide. In Israel, May Day festivities were organized with great fervor, featuring parades, speeches, performances, and exhibitions showcasing the achievements of the communist movement.

Another important holiday was the anniversary of the Russian Revolution on October 25th (according to the Julian calendar). This event held immense significance for Israeli communists as it symbolized the triumph of Bolshevik ideas. Public gatherings, processions, and speeches were held to mark the occasion, with participants proudly displaying red flags, banners, and revolutionary slogans.

The Long-Term Impact

The holidays of the revolution, along with other communist rituals and traditions, helped forge a unique identity among Israeli communists. These events were not only political in nature but were also characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie, fostering lifelong bonds among participants.

However, with the rise of McCarthyism in the United States during the Cold War era, communism started to face increasing opposition. The Israeli government, fearing the potential threat posed by communist ideology, took measures to suppress communist activities. Many communist leaders were arrested, and communist organizations faced constant scrutiny.

By the mid-1960s, the influence of communism in Israel had waned significantly. The spirit of revolution started to fade as Israeli society embraced capitalism and shifted its focus towards economic growth. The holidays that once symbolized the solidarity of the working class lost their significance.

The holidays of the revolution were a testament to the enduring impact of communist ideology in Israel during the early to mid-20th century. They served as powerful tools for mobilization, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and belonging among Israeli communists.

While the influence of communism eventually waned, the legacy of these holidays remains embedded in the history of Israel. They serve as a reminder of a time when the world was enveloped by revolutionary fervor, and a new social order seemed within grasp.

Today, as we look back and reflect on the holidays of the revolution, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Israeli society and the diverse ideologies that played a vital role in shaping its history.

Holidays of the Revolution: Communist Identity in Israel, 1919-1965

by Aislin(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

FREE

Holidays of the Revolution explores a little-known chapter in the history of Mandatory Palestine and the State of Israel: the Israeli Communist Party and its youth movement, which posed a radical challenge to Zionism. Amir Locker-Biletzki examines the development of this movement from 1919 to 1965, concentrating on how Communists built a distinctive identity through myth and ritual. He addresses three key themes: identity construction through Jewish holidays (Hanukkah and Passover),through civic holidays (Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israeli Independence Day),and through Soviet and working-class myths and ceremonies (May Day and the October Revolution). He also shows how Jewish Communists viewed, interacted, and celebrated with their Palestinian comrades. Using extensive archival and newspaper sources, Locker-Biletzki argues that Jewish-Israeli Communists created a unique, dissident subculture. Simultaneously negating and absorbing the culture of Socialist-Zionism and Israeli Republicanism—as well as Soviet and left-wing–European traditions—Jewish Communists forged an Israeli identity beyond the bounds of Zionism.