Politics of Memory: The Israeli Underground's Struggle for Inclusion in the National Pantheon and Military Commemoralization [Paperback]

Introduction: Politics of Memory, Bereavment and Military Commemoration 1.The Politics of Memory: Theoretical Framework and Basic Concepts 2.The Political Sphere: Building the Infrastructure for Memory Inclusion and Politics Closure of Bereavement 3.Commemorative Landscapes: the Politics of Hegemony in Physical Space 4.The language of sovereignty 5.The Politics of Historiography 6. The Period of Ambivalence (1963-1977): First Steps of Inclusion in National Commemoration and Memory 7. The Electoral Turnabout: Statism in the National Pantheon 8.Conclusion: Boundaries of National Pantheon- Confrontations in the Politics of Israeli Memory

This book illustrates how a dominant political party, the Mapai, under the leadership of P.M. David Ben-Gurion, chose to hug, honor and commemorate Her Fallen and Her Bereaved Families, whilst simultaneously ignoring the fallen that were identified with the rival political party, Herut, led by Menachem Begin. Designing legislation and cultural policy designated for Teaching the public that those who sacrificed themselves in the Israeli War of Independence  were Hagana Members, one of three Israeli undergrounds movements, associated with Mapai specific ideological viewpoint. By that - the Israeli state created political legitimacy and dominance for Mapai  which was framed as the only political party which were involved with the struggle for national independence. Her fighters, battles and casualties became part of the collective memory and national ethos. This project was implemented by refusing to acknowledge the Other casualties of the Eztel and Lehi underground movements wich were ideological identified with Herut Party. The state excluded their bereaved families from the wider official military bereavement circle and forced them to experience disenfranchised grief , With no access to official commemoration or to rehabilitative support. It was only after the Likud's (ex-Herut) victory l#�