Description
Book SynopsisIn Israeli Community Action, Paula Kabalo presents a vivid portrait of these civilians who strove to help each other cope with the everyday realities of the Israeli War of Independence.
Trade Review"Documents the emergence of citizens' and communal 'home front' organizations during Israel's War of Independence, and the first year of existence of the state, looking at areas of housing needs, commercial and merchants' rights, and relief and support for veterans and soldiers' families after demobilization."—Russell Stone, author of Social Change in Israel: Attitudes and Events, 1967-1979
"Paula Kabalo's book presents the 1948 war from an entirely new perspective—through the trials and tribulations of ordinary Israelis. She also presents in detail the components that contribute to social resilience in the face of disaster, and although Israel has changed in many ways, this work is unfortunately still relevant today."—Orit Rozin, author of A Home for All Jews: Citizenship, Rights, and National Identity in the New Israeli State
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction: Association, Efficacy, Capabilities
I. Civic Association and Self-Help in a Voluntary Community, November 1947–May 14, 1948
1. Multiple Paths to Community Resilience—Displacement as an Impetus to Association
2. Economic War and War Economy—The Challenge to Business and Commercial Life
3. "Literally Abandoned to Starvation"—The Bureaucratization of Relief and the Question of Responsibility for Soldiers Families
II. Association and Self-Help in a Sovereign Society—May 14, 1948–1949
4. The Displaced Communities Regroup
5. Emergency Economy amid Emergency Normalcy —the Quest for Regularization, Improvement, and Influence
6. Soldiers' Wives and a 'Non-Governmental Government Committee for Inductees' Families'—the Question of Responsibility
7. The War Veterans' Civilian Struggle—Discharged Soldiers and Disabled Veterans Confront the Elected Echelon
Conclusion
Bibliography
List of Archives'
Index
