The Revolutionary Communist Identity: Unveiling the Hidden Holidays of Israel (1919-1965)

In Israel, between the years 1919 and 1965, a unique and often overshadowed aspect of history emerged – the holidays of the revolution communist identity. These holidays played a remarkable role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the emerging nation, offering an alternative narrative to the dominant Zionist narrative that was central to Israel's identity formation.

The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 marked a turning point in history, not only for Jewish people but for the entire region. The dominant Zionist movement triumphed, and the nation embarked on a journey to establish a Jewish state in the land of their ancestors. However, within this broader Zionist narrative, a smaller yet influential movement emerged – the revolutionary communists.

The Origins and Ideology of Revolutionary Communism in Israel

The roots of revolutionary communism in Israel can be traced back to the early 20th century, amid the political turmoil of the time. Jewish immigrants arriving in Palestine brought with them a variety of political beliefs, including socialist and communist ideologies. These ideas flourished, especially among laborers and intellectuals who sought to build a just and egalitarian society.

Holidays of the Revolution: Communist Identity in Israel, 1919-1965

by Aislin (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

FREE

Unlike the mainstream Zionist movement, which aimed to establish a Jewish state through political means, revolutionary communists advocated for the dismantling of the capitalist system, believing that only a socialist revolution could truly liberate the working class. This ideological divergence set the stage for a fierce confrontation of ideas and strategies within Israel's political landscape.

The Holidays of the Revolution

While the Zionist narrative heavily emphasized Jewish holidays and traditional festivals, the revolutionary communists sought to establish their own unique set of holidays that reflected their ideology and goals. These holidays aimed to celebrate the revolutionary spirit and preserve the memory of international labor struggles.

The Holiday of May Day: Solidarity in Action

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, became a central celebration for the revolutionary communists in Israel. It was a day to honor the struggles of workers worldwide and advocate for the rights of the working class. Parades, demonstrations, and cultural events were organized, demonstrating solidarity with labor movements around the world.

The Holiday of the October Revolution: Commemorating the Vanguard

Another prominent holiday for the revolutionary communists was the celebration of the October Revolution. This annual event commemorated the Bolshevik uprising in Russia in 1917, which led to the establishment of the first communist state. It served as a platform to highlight the achievements of the Russian Revolution and inspire similar revolutions around the world.

The Cultural Impact

These holidays of the revolution not only served as platforms for political activism but also shaped the cultural landscape of Israel. Art, literature, and music flourished during these celebrations, reflecting the ideals and themes of the revolutionary communists. Films and plays were produced, depicting the struggles of the working class and advocating for socialist values.

Moreover, the holidays provided an alternative space for social gatherings and communal celebrations. They created a sense of belonging and unity among like-minded individuals who shared a revolutionary vision for society. Throughout the years of the holidays' existence, their influence slowly seeped into mainstream Israeli culture.

The Decline and Legacy

By the mid-1960s, the revolutionary communist movement in Israel began to decline. The changing political climate, the Six-Day War, and the consolidation of the dominant Zionist narrative diminished the appeal and impact of the revolutionary communists. The holidays of the revolution gradually lost their prominence, fading into the background of Israel's history. However, their legacy lives on.

The cultural impact of the holidays can still be seen today. Certain works of art, literature, and music created during this period continue to influence contemporary Israeli culture. The ideals and aspirations of the revolutionary communists, though not fully realized, have left a lasting impression on the Israeli discourse.

Exploring the holidays of the revolution communist identity in Israel from 1919 to 1965 unveils a compelling chapter in the country's history. These holidays offered an alternative narrative and provided a platform for the revolutionary communists to express their ideals. Celebrating the struggles of workers and advocating for socialist values, these holidays not only influenced the political landscape but also left a cultural imprint on the emerging nation.

Holidays of the Revolution: Communist Identity in Israel, 1919-1965

by Aislin (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13942 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

FREE

Holidays of the Revolution explores a little-known chapter in the history of Mandatory Palestine and the State of Israel: the Israeli Communist Party and its youth movement, which posed a radical challenge to Zionism. Amir Locker-Biletzki examines the development of this movement from 1919 to 1965, concentrating on how Communists built a distinctive identity through myth and ritual. He addresses three key themes: identity construction through Jewish holidays (Hanukkah and Passover), through civic holidays (Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israeli Independence Day), and through Soviet and working-class myths and ceremonies (May Day and the October Revolution). He also shows how Jewish Communists viewed, interacted, and celebrated with their Palestinian comrades. Using extensive archival and newspaper sources, Locker-Biletzki argues that Jewish-Israeli Communists created a unique, dissident subculture. Simultaneously negating and absorbing the culture of Socialist-Zionism and Israeli Republicanism—as well as Soviet and left-wing–European traditions—Jewish Communists forged an Israeli identity beyond the bounds of Zionism.