Introduction
The history of Betar, just like the genealogy of a family, is a legacy unto itself. The men and women whose unabashed Jewish pride and unwavering devotion to that one ideal, a free Jewish people in a free Jewish state, put Betar in the forefront of the creation of the state of Israel.
The history that follows seeks to familiarize you with such people as our great mentor, Ze’ev Jabotinsky. His faith in Jewish youth gave way to the birth of Betar.
You will read about Shlomo Ben-Yosef, to whom the concept of Hadar is closely associated. This young Polish Betari met his tragic end at the British gallows. His only crime was defending Jewish rights and honor.
You will read about Dov Gruner, Avraham Stavsky, Aaron Propes and countless other young Betarim whose heroic actions paved the way for Jewish statehood.
You will read about the first, second, and third Betar conventions and the pervasive spread of Betar throughout Europe.
You will read of unprecedented achievements such as the Betar Naval and Aviation schools, of Hachshara camps to train Betarim for pioneer duty in Palestine, of the Plugat HaKotel—the Platoon of the Wall, of the Aliyah Bet—a mass immigration of the Jews to the nearly established State of Israel, and of partisan warfare—all of which are integral components in the rich and glorious history of the movement which we are so proud to belong to. All the aforementioned heroes and heroines, have been, are, and will be in the hearts and minds of Betarim today and for generations to come.