This book traces the origin and development of the communist movement in Palestine and Israel, examining in detail the problems affecting It In the years preceding Israeli statehood In 1948. focusing on these problems within the context of events in the Ylshuv (the Jewish community in Palestine) and the International communist movement, Dr. Rubenstein analyzes unpopular positions advocated by the Communist party, Its efforts to remain loyal to Moscow's dictates, and the succession of rifts within the movement. Concludes with an overview of the communist movement In Israel today, Dr. Rubenstein explains the virtual extinction of party influence on the current lsraeli political scene.

This book traces the origin and development of the communist movement in Palestine and Israel, examining in detail the problems affecting It In the years preceding Israeli statehood In 1948. focusing on these problems within the context of events in the Ylshuv (the Jewish community in Palestine) and the International communist movement, Dr. Rubenstein analyzes unpopular positions advocated by the Communist party, Its efforts to remain loyal to Moscow's dictates, and the succession of rifts within the movement. Concludes with an overview of the communist movement In Israel today, Dr. Rubenstein explains the virtual extinction of party influence on the current lsraeli political scene.

Investigating the Communist International's involvement in Palestine during the 1920s, this unusual study encompasses the rise of the Zionist settlement in the region, the gradual emergence of Arab nationalism, and the increasing difficulties facing the British mandatory government in reconciling the growing Arab-Jewish strife. The Communist International, searching for revolutionary situations in the underdeveloped world, attempted to use the unrest in Palestine to undermine the British mandatory government. In the process the Communist International and the Palestine Communist Party were confronted by an expanding popular movement— Zionism—which they tried to suppress. The situation was unique. The Palestine Communist Party's leadership and membership were predominantly Jewish, and perceived the Communist International's anti-Zionist policies as a threat to the existence of the entire Jewish community. Hen-Tov made five investigative trips to Russia. He not only reconstructs the situation in the 1920s, but also explains the roots of the strong anti-Israel position taken by the Soviet Union today.