Dance of the Fire: The Jewish Brigade in Ww2: Facts, Myths, Appraisal

The Jewish Brigade, a unit of the British Army during WWII, played a crucial role on behalf of the Jewish People, in the fight against Nazi Germany. Formed in 1944, it consisted mainly of Jewish Volunteers from Palestine and was covertly commanded by Shlomo Shamir (Rabinowicz), Later Major-General in the IDF. The Brigade participated in the Italian Campaign, distinguishing itself in the battles along the Senio River. Beyond combat, the Jewish Brigade was the first to meet and look after survivors of the Holocaust, facilitating their illegal journey to Palestine. Many of the Brigade members became leading figures in the fledgling Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Under Shamir’s guidance/leadership, the Brigade symbolised both Jewish dedicated pursuit of military goals and national aspiration, proving that Jewish Soldiers could fight as a unified force against a well-trained enemy and win. Their experience and networks within the British Army were critical in shaping the future military and political landscape of the nascent Jewish State.

Major-General Shlomo Shamir (1915-2009) emigrated to Palestine in 1925 and joined the Haganah in 1929. By 1939, he was Commander of the Jerusalem Field Corps. In 1940, he volunteered for the British Army, later covertly leading the Jewish Brigade. After the Second World War, he aided Holocaust survivors. In 1948, he helped form the IDF, commanding the 7th Brigade in Latrun. He later led the Central Front, Navy, and Air Force before leaving the IDF in 1951.