In 1934, two influential figures from Eastern Europe, Ze'ev Jabotinsky and David Ben Gurion, met in London, seeking to reconcile their differing political views amid the looming threat of Nazism. This meeting not only shaped their futures but also left a lasting impact on Israeli politics. Over the next 15 years, their paths diverged dramatically, with one dying in exile and the other becoming the first Prime Minister of Israel.
Their encounters were not just about politics; they included personal moments, like Ben Gurion preparing an omelette for Jabotinsky, reflecting their complex relationship. These meetings became the inspiration for a new play by acclaimed Israeli author A.B. Yehoshua, aiming to highlight the ideological rifts that continue to echo in Israel's ongoing struggle for consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As Yehoshua reflects on his youth and experiences with Ben Gurion, he recognizes the wisdom in Ben Gurion's often-ignored advice to withdraw from occupied territories. This historical context offers insights into the current political landscape in Israel, where the shadows of the past still affect negotiations and peace efforts.
The Background of a Controversial Meeting
In 1959, a young Yehoshua found himself amidst a peculiar episode involving Ben Gurion, who was challenged by a commentator suggesting that rabbinical interpretations held equal weight as biblical prophecies. Engaged to assist Ben Gurion, Yehoshua's work not only earned him a Vespa scooter but also deepened his connection to Israeli politics.
His experiences with Ben Gurion and the complexities of Jabotinsky's legacy highlight the ideological divisions within Israeli society. Jabotinsky, often seen as the father of right-wing nationalism, stood in stark contrast to Ben Gurion's more pragmatic approach to statehood and governance.
Ideological Divergence and Common Ground
As Yehoshua studied the encounters between these two leaders, he discovered that despite their differences, they shared a commitment to the Jewish state. Jabotinsky's vision of a ‘Greater Israel’ clashed with Ben Gurion's more conciliatory stance, especially in the context of post-1967 territorial disputes.
Yehoshua's play, titled Can Two Walk Together?, questions whether a Jewish state could have been established earlier to prevent the Holocaust, reflecting on historical decisions made by Jewish leaders that he believes missed critical opportunities.
The Haunting Legacy of Their Disputes
Their meetings ultimately led to an irrevocable split, with Ben Gurion even referring to Jabotinsky as “Vladimir Hitler.” This animosity culminated in events like the shelling of the Irgun ship Altalena, which underscored the tension between left and right in the young Israeli state.
Yehoshua argues that these historical clashes still haunt contemporary discussions about a two-state solution, as the ideological divisions remain deeply ingrained in Israeli politics.
Prospects for Peace and Current Challenges
Yehoshua passionately advocates for a two-state solution but acknowledges that the reality of evacuating West Bank settlements without civil unrest is complex. His plan suggests allowing settlers to remain as a minority in a future Palestinian state, emphasizing the need for compromise and coexistence.
He believes that for peace to be realized, both sides must engage seriously, with international oversight and support. The EU, in his view, should take on the role of a mediator, offering incentives for peace while acknowledging past failures in addressing the settlement issue.
In an era where political rhetoric often invokes historical traumas, Yehoshua insists that genuine peace with Palestinians is the best way to counter threats, urging leaders to focus on building a future rather than dwelling on past grievances.
