Homeland: From Clandestine Immigration to Israeli Independence

"Hacohen (1919-2008), an instrumental figure in the early development of Israel, leaves a vivid account of a life spent dedicated to liberating and empowering his people. Born in Vienna shortly after WWI, Hacohen would go on to deliver 'illegal' European Jewish refugees from the Nazis to the safety of British-controlled Palestine as coordinator of the Aliyah Bet, the Jews' underground railroad. Later, he worked to establish the Jewish state as a diplomat and administrator in the fledgling Israeli government. Though Hacohen dedicates his tale to the achievement of ordinary citizens, he's disproportionately focused on the remarkable and legendary figures of his acquaintance-so much so, he fails to deliver the detail history buffs will crave (spilling as much ink on a state dinner as on the smuggling of Jews from Europe to Israel). Those already engaged with the history of the Aliyah Bet should relish this personal account, but casual history fans will want some blanks filled in." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)