Mooli Brog - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Mooli Brog
The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish... more The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in different societies has focused primarily on the theme of "social frames of memory." 1 My intention is to examine the Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv with the help of a definition offered by Barry Schwartz. He has depicted memory mainly as a cultural system and has offered a semiotic interpretation of culture. Expanding on Clifford Geertz's observations 2 on the essence of cultural patterns in commemoration, Schwartz suggests that "As models of society, events of the past are the key to [understanding] the present. As a model for society, events of the past are expressed by the present." 3 This differentiation is meaningful for our discussion because it sharpens the significance of the 1 The French historian Pierre Nora argues that since in today's age of scientific objectivity it is hard to distinguish between informative reporting and interpretation of meaning, there is a struggle between "history" and "memory" in describing the past.
This study examines the initial social construction of Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv (the... more This study examines the initial social construction of Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv (the pre-state Jewish community of Palestine). It presents and analyzes proposals that were put forward in Palestine and abroad to commemorate the exterminated European Jews between the summer of 1942, when the first reports about mass exterminations were received, and the summer of 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in diff...
Israel Studies, Mar 23, 2004
... The monument also appears in the book Memorials to the Fallen Soldiers in Israel's Milit... more ... The monument also appears in the book Memorials to the Fallen Soldiers in Israel's Military Campaigns, 1989, ed., Ilana Shamir (Ministry of Defense, 1989) distributed in the same year to the bereaved families. ... Ran Reznik, "How Does He Dare," Ha'ir, 26 April 1996) [Hebrew]. ...
The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish... more The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in different societies has focused primarily on the theme of "social frames of memory." 1 My intention is to examine the Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv with the help of a definition offered by Barry Schwartz. He has depicted memory mainly as a cultural system and has offered a semiotic interpretation of culture. Expanding on Clifford Geertz's observations 2 on the essence of cultural patterns in commemoration, Schwartz suggests that "As models of society, events of the past are the key to [understanding] the present. As a model for society, events of the past are expressed by the present." 3 This differentiation is meaningful for our discussion because it sharpens the significance of the 1 The French historian Pierre Nora argues that since in today's age of scientific objectivity it is hard to distinguish between informative reporting and interpretation of meaning, there is a struggle between "history" and "memory" in describing the past.
פרשנות תרבותי על מקומן השונה במרחב ובזיכרון הקיבוצי בין אנדרטת גטו וורשה של רפופורט שהוקמה בוורשה... more פרשנות תרבותי על מקומן השונה במרחב ובזיכרון הקיבוצי בין אנדרטת גטו וורשה של רפופורט שהוקמה בוורשה לבין זאת שהקים ביד ושם, בירושלים
מראש מצדה עד לב הגטו, 1996
The article discribe how the constructed story of the Jewish resistance in Warsow Gheto as a revo... more The article discribe how the constructed story of the Jewish resistance in Warsow Gheto as a revolt, helped to portray it as a reenactment of the strugle of the Jews anainst the Roman on top of Masada. Hence both events reaffirmed the myth created about each other.
הקרב וערבו : מבט חדש על פרשת תל חי, 2020
Mooli Brog, Re-examining Tel Hai Event of 1920 Contrary to popular and the academic references... more Mooli Brog, Re-examining Tel Hai Event of 1920
Contrary to popular and the academic references to the tragic affair at Tel Hai on March 1, 1920, was a heroic battle, this study presents documentation indicating, in defense jargon, that it was merely a spontaneous and locally triggered exchange of fire with neither side intending to gain control over the other. That is to say, there was no battle over Tel Hai.
The study attempt to introduce the historical narrative of the Tel Hai affair by providing a credible representation of the course of action of Jewish and Arab forces throughout that day. This was done by re-examining the testimonies of the Jewish participants and associates using contemporary methods, which, for the first time, enable reliable chronicling of the timeline of the micro-tactic actions taken by each side, and offer more accurate data regarding logistic and human aspects. For instance, several settlers reported that just before the shooting began dozens of Arabs were inside Tel Hai, data never previously disclosed. Similarly, it was not previously reported that Trumpeldor took the first shot after eye-witnessing some Arabs trying to disarmed settlers.
The distinctions between versions allow us to identify pieces of the historical account overlooked in the popular narrative, as well as details modified to serve a purpose. By analyzing the distinctions, it became at least partially clear, how in the absence of an alternative historical narrative, the myth of Tel Hai was widely embraced as the true story of the event.
תל חי 2020-1920: בין היסטוריה לזיכרון, יד בן-צבי, 2020
מטרתו של מאמר זה היא להציג את מסד הנתונים של ספר המבקרים וללמוד באמצעותו על תרומתו לעיצובה של תל ... more מטרתו של מאמר זה היא להציג את מסד הנתונים של ספר המבקרים וללמוד באמצעותו על תרומתו לעיצובה של תל חי כאנדרטה הלאומית הראשונה לגבורה הציונית. הספר הוא מקור היסטורי ייחודי, ראשון מסוגו בארץ ישראל, ביטוי אותנטי לרחשי הלב של ציבור ציוני מגוון ולתגובתו על המוות הפטריוטי. הספר מספק לחוקר מראה אמינה ומנקודת מבט חדשה, על ההשפעה של הממד האידאולוגי ההצהרתי, שאותו מייצגים דברי מנהיגי היישוב, על עיצוב הזיכרון הקיבוצי של אירוע תל חי ומקומו בזהות הלאומית של המבקרים. הממצאים מוצגים בשני אופנים: האחד, עיבוד סטטיסטי של הרשומות, כגון מספר המבקרים שחתמו בספר, מקום מגוריהם, מועד בואם לתל חי ועוד; והאחר תוכני: שימוש בדברי ההקדשה כביטוי להשקפת העולם ולזהות הקיבוצית בחברה החלוצית של אותם הימים. כמו כן דן המאמר בשני גורמים שעמדו ברקע חוויית הביקור: השינויים שעברה חצר תל חי בשנים הרלוונטיות, והטיולים בארץ ישראל ככלי חינוכי בשירות האידאולוגיה הציונית. ספר המבקרים תרם לחיזוק מעמדה של תל חי כאתר מקודש, ועיצובה הפיזי של החצר עודד ביצירת החוויה הרגשית של הביקור במקום כ'עלייה לרגל'.
Katedra 174, 2020
בי"א באדר תר"ף התרחשה בתל חי תקרית אש שהסתיימה באופן טרגי, והיא טבעה חותם טראומטי בקרב רבים ביישו... more בי"א באדר תר"ף התרחשה בתל חי תקרית אש שהסתיימה באופן טרגי, והיא טבעה חותם טראומטי בקרב רבים ביישוב. מרבית המחקרים ההיסטוריים על האירוע דנו בו כחלק מסיפור ההתיישבות החלוצית, ואחרים התמקדו במיתוס שנוצר סביבו ובהשלכותיו החברתיות והתרבותיות על החברה הציונית לדורותיה. מאמר זה מציע לראשונה מבט פסיכולוגי על תגובות המגינים והנהגת היישוב על אירוע, ומהן מתבררת מהות הטראומה שנגרמה להם והשפעתה הרבה על עיצובו בזיכרון הקיבוצי.
היעדר העניין המחקרי בזהותם של המגינים, בהרכב האנושי שלהם ובתפקודם באותו יום בחצר תל חי, מתברר כעת כוויתור על אחד הגורמים החשובים שאפשרו את הצלחת אימוצו של המיתוס. הדימוי ההרואי שהוענק למציאות חסרת ההוד והתעוזה בתל חי וגילויי הפחד והלם הקרב של חלק מהמגינים, הקשו עליהם להופיע בציבור כגיבורים, ומרביתם בחרו לשתוק. תגובה זו מצידם אפשרה את עיצוב דמותו של טרומפלדור כגיבור הקרב, ועזרה לטשטש את הגבולות בין הסיפור המיתי לאמיתי.
Mooli Brog, Tel Hai Fault: The roots of its Trauma and Myth
On 11 Adar 5680 (March 1, 1920), there was a skirmish at Tel Hai which ended tragically, and had a traumatic impact upon many in the Yishuv. Most historical studies of the event dealt with it as a part of the Yishuv pioneers' story – the story of the halutzim. Others focused on the myth around it and its social and cultural implications for Zionist society over the generations.
For the first time, this paper proposes a psychological perspective on the reactions of the defenders of the incident and the Yishuv leadership. Their reactions shed light on the reasons for the trauma they experienced and its tremendous impact on the formation of the collective memory.
The lack of scholarly interest in the identity of the defenders – their biography, social composition and behaviour on that day at the Tel Hai courtyard, now appears as a concession to an important factor that allowed the adoption of the myth. The heroic image invested in the lusterless and valor-lacking reality at Tel Hai, and the demonstration of fear and shell shock by some of the defenders made it difficult for them to appear in public as heroes, and most of them chose to be silent. This reaction, on their part, enabled the casting of Trumpeldor as a combat hero, and helped blur the lines separating myth from reality.
comparative analysis of Warsaw Ghetto monument in Poland and Israel
The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish... more The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in different societies has focused primarily on the theme of "social frames of memory." 1 My intention is to examine the Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv with the help of a definition offered by Barry Schwartz. He has depicted memory mainly as a cultural system and has offered a semiotic interpretation of culture. Expanding on Clifford Geertz's observations 2 on the essence of cultural patterns in commemoration, Schwartz suggests that "As models of society, events of the past are the key to [understanding] the present. As a model for society, events of the past are expressed by the present." 3 This differentiation is meaningful for our discussion because it sharpens the significance of the 1 The French historian Pierre Nora argues that since in today's age of scientific objectivity it is hard to distinguish between informative reporting and interpretation of meaning, there is a struggle between "history" and "memory" in describing the past.
This study examines the initial social construction of Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv (the... more This study examines the initial social construction of Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv (the pre-state Jewish community of Palestine). It presents and analyzes proposals that were put forward in Palestine and abroad to commemorate the exterminated European Jews between the summer of 1942, when the first reports about mass exterminations were received, and the summer of 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in diff...
Israel Studies, Mar 23, 2004
... The monument also appears in the book Memorials to the Fallen Soldiers in Israel's Milit... more ... The monument also appears in the book Memorials to the Fallen Soldiers in Israel's Military Campaigns, 1989, ed., Ilana Shamir (Ministry of Defense, 1989) distributed in the same year to the bereaved families. ... Ran Reznik, "How Does He Dare," Ha'ir, 26 April 1996) [Hebrew]. ...
The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish... more The following questions are posed: What was the reasoning in the Yishuv for the need to establish a national commemorative project for those who had been annihilated in the Diaspora? Who were the people who suggested such projects and what were their motives? What kind of memorial site did they wish to erect? Where did they propose to build the memorial site and what were the reasons for their choice? Finally, what can the answers to these questions teach us about Holocaust consciousness in the Yishuv at that time? The research on methods of preserving the past in different societies has focused primarily on the theme of "social frames of memory." 1 My intention is to examine the Holocaust commemoration in the Yishuv with the help of a definition offered by Barry Schwartz. He has depicted memory mainly as a cultural system and has offered a semiotic interpretation of culture. Expanding on Clifford Geertz's observations 2 on the essence of cultural patterns in commemoration, Schwartz suggests that "As models of society, events of the past are the key to [understanding] the present. As a model for society, events of the past are expressed by the present." 3 This differentiation is meaningful for our discussion because it sharpens the significance of the 1 The French historian Pierre Nora argues that since in today's age of scientific objectivity it is hard to distinguish between informative reporting and interpretation of meaning, there is a struggle between "history" and "memory" in describing the past.
פרשנות תרבותי על מקומן השונה במרחב ובזיכרון הקיבוצי בין אנדרטת גטו וורשה של רפופורט שהוקמה בוורשה... more פרשנות תרבותי על מקומן השונה במרחב ובזיכרון הקיבוצי בין אנדרטת גטו וורשה של רפופורט שהוקמה בוורשה לבין זאת שהקים ביד ושם, בירושלים
מראש מצדה עד לב הגטו, 1996
The article discribe how the constructed story of the Jewish resistance in Warsow Gheto as a revo... more The article discribe how the constructed story of the Jewish resistance in Warsow Gheto as a revolt, helped to portray it as a reenactment of the strugle of the Jews anainst the Roman on top of Masada. Hence both events reaffirmed the myth created about each other.
הקרב וערבו : מבט חדש על פרשת תל חי, 2020
Mooli Brog, Re-examining Tel Hai Event of 1920 Contrary to popular and the academic references... more Mooli Brog, Re-examining Tel Hai Event of 1920
Contrary to popular and the academic references to the tragic affair at Tel Hai on March 1, 1920, was a heroic battle, this study presents documentation indicating, in defense jargon, that it was merely a spontaneous and locally triggered exchange of fire with neither side intending to gain control over the other. That is to say, there was no battle over Tel Hai.
The study attempt to introduce the historical narrative of the Tel Hai affair by providing a credible representation of the course of action of Jewish and Arab forces throughout that day. This was done by re-examining the testimonies of the Jewish participants and associates using contemporary methods, which, for the first time, enable reliable chronicling of the timeline of the micro-tactic actions taken by each side, and offer more accurate data regarding logistic and human aspects. For instance, several settlers reported that just before the shooting began dozens of Arabs were inside Tel Hai, data never previously disclosed. Similarly, it was not previously reported that Trumpeldor took the first shot after eye-witnessing some Arabs trying to disarmed settlers.
The distinctions between versions allow us to identify pieces of the historical account overlooked in the popular narrative, as well as details modified to serve a purpose. By analyzing the distinctions, it became at least partially clear, how in the absence of an alternative historical narrative, the myth of Tel Hai was widely embraced as the true story of the event.
תל חי 2020-1920: בין היסטוריה לזיכרון, יד בן-צבי, 2020
מטרתו של מאמר זה היא להציג את מסד הנתונים של ספר המבקרים וללמוד באמצעותו על תרומתו לעיצובה של תל ... more מטרתו של מאמר זה היא להציג את מסד הנתונים של ספר המבקרים וללמוד באמצעותו על תרומתו לעיצובה של תל חי כאנדרטה הלאומית הראשונה לגבורה הציונית. הספר הוא מקור היסטורי ייחודי, ראשון מסוגו בארץ ישראל, ביטוי אותנטי לרחשי הלב של ציבור ציוני מגוון ולתגובתו על המוות הפטריוטי. הספר מספק לחוקר מראה אמינה ומנקודת מבט חדשה, על ההשפעה של הממד האידאולוגי ההצהרתי, שאותו מייצגים דברי מנהיגי היישוב, על עיצוב הזיכרון הקיבוצי של אירוע תל חי ומקומו בזהות הלאומית של המבקרים. הממצאים מוצגים בשני אופנים: האחד, עיבוד סטטיסטי של הרשומות, כגון מספר המבקרים שחתמו בספר, מקום מגוריהם, מועד בואם לתל חי ועוד; והאחר תוכני: שימוש בדברי ההקדשה כביטוי להשקפת העולם ולזהות הקיבוצית בחברה החלוצית של אותם הימים. כמו כן דן המאמר בשני גורמים שעמדו ברקע חוויית הביקור: השינויים שעברה חצר תל חי בשנים הרלוונטיות, והטיולים בארץ ישראל ככלי חינוכי בשירות האידאולוגיה הציונית. ספר המבקרים תרם לחיזוק מעמדה של תל חי כאתר מקודש, ועיצובה הפיזי של החצר עודד ביצירת החוויה הרגשית של הביקור במקום כ'עלייה לרגל'.
Katedra 174, 2020
בי"א באדר תר"ף התרחשה בתל חי תקרית אש שהסתיימה באופן טרגי, והיא טבעה חותם טראומטי בקרב רבים ביישו... more בי"א באדר תר"ף התרחשה בתל חי תקרית אש שהסתיימה באופן טרגי, והיא טבעה חותם טראומטי בקרב רבים ביישוב. מרבית המחקרים ההיסטוריים על האירוע דנו בו כחלק מסיפור ההתיישבות החלוצית, ואחרים התמקדו במיתוס שנוצר סביבו ובהשלכותיו החברתיות והתרבותיות על החברה הציונית לדורותיה. מאמר זה מציע לראשונה מבט פסיכולוגי על תגובות המגינים והנהגת היישוב על אירוע, ומהן מתבררת מהות הטראומה שנגרמה להם והשפעתה הרבה על עיצובו בזיכרון הקיבוצי.
היעדר העניין המחקרי בזהותם של המגינים, בהרכב האנושי שלהם ובתפקודם באותו יום בחצר תל חי, מתברר כעת כוויתור על אחד הגורמים החשובים שאפשרו את הצלחת אימוצו של המיתוס. הדימוי ההרואי שהוענק למציאות חסרת ההוד והתעוזה בתל חי וגילויי הפחד והלם הקרב של חלק מהמגינים, הקשו עליהם להופיע בציבור כגיבורים, ומרביתם בחרו לשתוק. תגובה זו מצידם אפשרה את עיצוב דמותו של טרומפלדור כגיבור הקרב, ועזרה לטשטש את הגבולות בין הסיפור המיתי לאמיתי.
Mooli Brog, Tel Hai Fault: The roots of its Trauma and Myth
On 11 Adar 5680 (March 1, 1920), there was a skirmish at Tel Hai which ended tragically, and had a traumatic impact upon many in the Yishuv. Most historical studies of the event dealt with it as a part of the Yishuv pioneers' story – the story of the halutzim. Others focused on the myth around it and its social and cultural implications for Zionist society over the generations.
For the first time, this paper proposes a psychological perspective on the reactions of the defenders of the incident and the Yishuv leadership. Their reactions shed light on the reasons for the trauma they experienced and its tremendous impact on the formation of the collective memory.
The lack of scholarly interest in the identity of the defenders – their biography, social composition and behaviour on that day at the Tel Hai courtyard, now appears as a concession to an important factor that allowed the adoption of the myth. The heroic image invested in the lusterless and valor-lacking reality at Tel Hai, and the demonstration of fear and shell shock by some of the defenders made it difficult for them to appear in public as heroes, and most of them chose to be silent. This reaction, on their part, enabled the casting of Trumpeldor as a combat hero, and helped blur the lines separating myth from reality.
comparative analysis of Warsaw Ghetto monument in Poland and Israel