Israel: an introduction

instruments of empowerment. Though the criticism that Auerbach hurls at BenGurion is not without a measure of validity, the author is overly apologetic in regard to the parts in the affair played by Begin and the Irgun. Most observers without an axe to grind in the Altalena tragedy would agree that neither side should be pronounced entirely guilty or entirely innocent, that each side bears some of the blame for the death and destruction during those two searing days in June 1948. Even for those readers whose interpretation of the Altalena tragedy may be the polar opposite of the one put forth by Auerbach, this well-written and engaging volume is nevertheless worthy of serious attention. It resurrects the debate surrounding one of the most contentious events in the Jewish state’s history, and one whose aftereffects still reverberate in the Israel of today.