The Jewish Legion - 1st Jewish fighting force in 2,000 years

The Jewish Legion was the first Jewish fighting force since the time of the Romans. Formed during World War I, they comprised soldiers from the United States, Canada, Europe, the land of Israel and included Sephardic, Ashkenazic, religious and secular troops. Included in the podcast are the voices of Gilbert Sandler, an historian from Baltimore who talks about American recruits and Jack Wolofsky whose father was a Jewish Legion soldier from Canada. Learn about Zev Jabotinsky and Yosef Trumpeldor whose Zionist beliefs led them to form the Zion Mule Corps which became the Jewish Legion. And Col. John Henry Patterson, an Irish Christian who trained the troops. Excerpts from a moving speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is included from a memorial service to Patterson in which he describes his family’s personal connection. Get full access to Jewish History Moment podcast with Ben Bresky at benbresky.substack.com/subscribe