Ben-Gurion: A Biography

Bar- Zohar knows Israeli political life from inside. He is also a skilled writer. He tells the story of David Ben- Gurion in a very richly detailed and historically accurate way. Ben- Zohar basically sympathizes with Ben- Gurion and appreciates the decisive role he played, the unique role he played in doing the impossible, and bringing into being a Jewish state after two- thousand years of Exile, and with very shaky support for it in the world. Zohar does not stop there and tells the whole story of Ben- Gurion's political leadership, pioneering vision, and final years at Sde Boker.

This is the story of a man of courage and vision, a man of incredible determination. He more than anyone else was the vital force at the critical hour, and through his decision and will modern Israel came into being- and the two- thousand year old Jewish dream realized. Zohar a writer and politician researched his work well, and writes with clearness and strength. He is not without his criticisms of Ben- Gurion but appreciates that he is telling the story of a great man. And the sense of the great significance of the life pervades the work. I highly recommend it not only in that it gives the story of a great leader but also because it helps tell the story of the birth of modern Israel.