The Revisionist Movement, Irgun Tzevai Leumi (Etzel) and Lochamei Herut Israel (Lehi) 1929-1948

Recruited to "Brit Hashmonaim" in 1939, later becoming instructor. In 1942 put in charge of group of 250 in Tel Aviv, from Yeshivot and religious schools. Most of them came from poor neighborhoods but were serious ideology seeking youth. Subject recruited members, including from Agudah youth, and trained them in use of light arms obtained from Lehi. Main ideals of movements were devotion to God, self-sacrifice in the name of God, sovereignty of Israel and conquest of the land. Semi-military discipline and biblically-derived ranking system. Later crisis between Brit Hashmona'im and Lehi in 1946 caused some to move to Zionist Organization's Mizrachi movement, and to talk of settlement. Former involvement of members: religious institutions and youth movements. In division instructed on use of light arms and grenades supplied by Lehi. Many left to Lehi following schism, escape of the twenty from Latrun. After 1946 crisis in Jerusalem many left for Hagana, established Bet Yehoshua. Brit-Hashmonaim's principle: loyalty to Eretz Israel and its laws; sanctity of God; authority of laws of Torah; aspiring to Kingdom of Israel and coming of Messiah. Above all: expelling foreign overlords. Para-military movement: standard use of saluting and symbols; military court established to discourage disobedience. Movement dissolved in 1949 following establishment of State.