Much has been written about the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, but little about the people (save for the major military leaders and politicians) who played an inconspicuous yet vital role in the outcome of the war that changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Author Varda Yoran changes that with a book on Israeli-American Al Schwimmer, titled “Al, The Israeli Prometheus” (Atlantic; 2018) by Varda Yoran.
“Al, The Israeli Prometheus” is based entirely on the memoirs and memories as provided by his widow, Rina Schwimmer. It tells the story and wartime exploits of Al Schwimmer, who was born Adolph William Schwimmer in New York to immigrants from Eastern Europe. During World War II, Al worked for TWA and assisted the U.S. Air Transport Command in transporting supplies throughout the world.
During the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Al orchestrated clandestine missions to provide military equipment for Israeli defense. He led a group of mostly American aviators – Jews and non-Jews – who smuggled surplus planes to Israel. He also recruited and trained fighter pilots and other skilled personnel for the Israel Air Force.
However, what Al did for the new state of Israel was a crime: he was violating the U.S. Neutrality Acts and export control law. “I understood that doing what was right and doing what was lawful is not always the same,” said Al. “I soon realized that to act morally, one must sometimes break the law.”
He was indicted with six other Americans in 1949; he was charged with allegedly transporting weapons and airplanes and parts bought from United States ordinance dumps. Al believed he and the others did nothing to endanger American security and that their actions were a matter of compassion, necessity, and justice. “All we did was protect a friendly nation from hostile surrounding armies.”
To know more about Al Schwimmer's story after his trial and his later work in Israel, get a copy of “Al, The Israeli Prometheus” by Varda Yoran today on Amazon.
“Al, The Israeli Prometheus” was exhibited at the recently concluded American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
“Al, The Israeli Prometheus”
Author | Varda Yoran
Published date | 2018
Publisher | Atlantic Publishing Group
Book retail price | $19.95
Author Bio
Varda Yoran is a sculptor born in China to Jewish parents from Russia, lived in Israel, London and currently in the US. Collaborated with Shalom Yoran on his WWII memoir “The Defiant,” wrote “Al, The Israeli Prometheus.”
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