In 1903, the Kishinev Pogrom convinced a young Ze’ev Jabotinsky that Jews could never rely on others for protection. From underground militias in Russia to the WWI Jewish Legion, he preached strength over diplomacy, and warned of looming catastrophe in Europe.
Branded a radical by rivals yet revered as a visionary by followers, Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall” doctrine became the foundation of Jewish self-defense. His legacy endures today in Israel’s very identity — unyielding, defiant, and built to last.
Learn more about Vladimir Jabotinsky in “Jabotinsky: A Life by Hillel Halkin.” This acclaimed biography, published by Yale University Press, is part of the award-winning Jewish Lives series—now featuring 75 titles to date. Explore them all at JewishLives.org.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:10 Jabotinsky’s response to the Kishinev Pogrom
03:10 1920 Nebi Musa riots in Jerusalem
04:41 Jabotinsky’s leadership
05:25 Revisionist Zionism & the Iron Wall
06:33 Jabotinsky & colonialism
09:00 The rift between Ben-Gurion & Jabotinsky
09:38 1929 Arab riots & mass immigration from Europe
11:54 1939 White Paper & Aliyah Bet
12:23 Jabotinsky’s death & legacy
