Spying for Israel: The Golden Age of Israeli Intelligence 1948-1967

UCSC Professor, Bruce Thompson, one of our most popular Lunch & Learn presenters, returns to Shir Hadash. 

PLEASE REGISTER BELOW

Intelligence is a force multiplier: by enabling decision-makers to anticipate threats and prepare for conflicts it can make the difference between success or failure in war. And when the survival of the nation is at stake, as it has been repeatedly in the case of the state of Israel, detailed knowledge of the enemy's intentions and capabilities is particularly important. That is why the state of Israel has invested so much effort in the gathering and assessment of intelligence, and why its intelligence agencies—particularly Mossad, the agency responsible for foreign-intelligence work, and Aman, the  military-intelligence branch of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)—have such fabled reputations. 

From the Palmach's Arab Unit, with its Mista'arvim (warriors disguised as Arabs) trained to infiltrate the enemy's territory during the period of the state's founding in the 1940s, to the spies who prepared the way for Israel's decisive victory in the Six Day War of 1967, this lecture will illuminate the crucial roles of espionage and intelligence during the first quarter-century of the history of modern Israel. 

This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE to enjoy, however registration is required to receive the Zoom information. If you need assistance with registration, please contact Cindy at Shir Hadash at (408) 358–1751 x5. or cindy@shirhadash.org.

Bruce Thompson has been teaching history and literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz since 1991, and is one of the founding members of the University's Program in Jewish Studies.

About: The Retirees Lunch & Learn, a group of seniors that has been meeting at Congregation Shir Hadash for 10 years, has grown to some 200 members, with monthly programs attracting 40 people or more. Join us for the chance to visit, eat lunch, and hear a speaker or program.

Cost: Friends and family are invited to participate and are asked to make a $5 donation towards the cost of lunch. This donation is collected at the door. Groups of members alternate bringing in dessert.

Contact: For more information on Lunch & Learn, contact Cindy at Shir Hadash at (408) 358–1751 x5.