Growing up in the 70's/80's, I wasn' aware of the specifics of how Israel came into being. The attack by 5 Arab nations on the very day of Israel's founding was amazing to learn about. Even more astounding was the world's silence and inaction in response. Visiting the Palmach Museum and Independence Hall, and learning about the Palmach was a remarkable way to put the pieces together and understand how the scrappy, disparate remnants of the world's Jews that washed up on these shores, were able, finally, to take their destiny into their own hands.

Now I understand better the determination required to make this happen. I also understand better what makes Israeli's different - how each of them is responsible for their nation's security and well being. In the days of the Palmach, they were responsible, each of them, for it's birth. Fascinating to anyone interested in history, no matter your polical or religious perspective.

Visited December 2016