Language:
English
Year of publication:
2008
Titel der Quelle:
Yad Vashem Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
36,1 (2008) 211-252
Keywords:
Ben-Gurion, David,
;
Eichmann, Adolf,
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
;
War crime trials
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
Ben Gurion was critical toward commemoration of the Holocaust in Israel and the cult of the ghetto fighters - in the final analysis, their heroism failed to achieve any military or political goals. Nonetheless, his role in the Eichmann trial was pivotal. It was Ben Gurion who initiated the capture of Eichmann and vehemently insisted that he be tried by an Israeli court - against propositions by Nahum Goldmann, who wanted to internationalize the court. Dwells on the controversy between Ben Gurion and Martin Buber on the question whether Eichmann should be executed; the philosopher was against a death sentence, while Ben Gurion held that any other sentence would not only insult the survivors but also would attest to Israel's weakness. Discusses, also, the impact of the Globke affair on Ben Gurion's attitude toward West Germany and the trial. Argues that Ben Gurion's attitudes toward Holocaust commemoration and the Eichmann trial were rather complex. Ben Gurion did not intervene in the trial; although he wished that the trial transmit a clear Zionist message, he also wanted the Israeli public, and in particular the youth, to know about the Holocaust and the Diaspora.
Note:
English and Hebrew.
URL:
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