Video: The Story Behind The UN Vote For A Jewish State

Hat tip to The Muqata, who posted about this.

From the YouTube page:

Toldot Yisrael presents the story of the November 29th, 1947 UN vote for the Partition of Palestine, when, within a few brief moments, 20 centuries of Jewish homelessness came to an end.

This movie is the second episode in the "Eyewitness 1948" short film series produced by Toldot Yisrael and the History Channel. It is the centerpiece of an educational pilot program developed with The iCenter and made possible through the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation.

This is the 2nd video in the series--the first is Echoes Of A Shofar:

"Echoes of a Shofar" is the premiere episode in the "Eyewitness 1948" short film series produced by Toldot Yisrael and the History Channel. It is the centerpiece of an educational pilot program being developed with The iCenter and made possible through the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation.

Under a British law in Palestine passed in 1930, Jews were forbidden to blow the shofar at the Kotel, pray loudly there, or bring Torah scrolls, so as not to offend the Arab population.

Despite this restriction, for the next seventeen years, the shofar was sounded at the Kotel every Yom Kippur. Shofars were smuggled in to the Kotel where brave teenagers defiantly blew them at the conclusion of the fast. Some managed to get away - others were captured and sent to jail for up to six months.

Six of these men are still alive.

Two weeks ago, these six men returned to the scene of their "crime". Armed with shofars, they recounted their individual stories and blew shofar again at the Kotel.

This is their powerful and inspiring story.

So, what is Toldot Yisrael?
Here is Toldot Yisrael's Mission Statement:

Personal stories bring a new perspective to the events historians have already written about. The mission of Toldot Yisrael is to capture this national narrative and preserve it for future generations. It is a last chance to record this glorious chapter in Jewish history before it is too late.

By presenting authentic, unedited accounts of the founding of the State of Israel, Toldot Yisrael’s interactive archive will:

• Reinforce the positive role Israel plays in contemporary Jewish identity through these personal stories of genuine human triumph;
• Restore the sense of purpose for young Israelis by helping them reconnect to their past;
• Remind the world at large of the Jewish People’s legitimate right to a sovereign state and its struggle for independence in the shadow of the Holocaust.

Technorati Tag: Israel.