NO OF PAGES: 295 SUB CAT I: Israel SUB CAT II: History SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: Chaim Herzog, President of the State of Israel, celebrates Jewish heroes, ancient and modern, in this inspirational testament to the strength and valor of the Jewish people. As President Herzog writes in his introduction, those profiled have "played a vital role in ensuring the survival and security of the Jewish people" during many centuries of struggle against oppressors. These are the men and women who have kept Judaism alive. Herzog draws upon his own experience in the battlefield to breathe new life into the familiar heroes like Deborah, who led an army long before other women were even permitted to join in battle, centuries before the birth of Joan of Arc; and Samson, whose passionate nature made him a prisoner, yet whose bravery in captivity helped destroy the Philistine enemies of the Jews. These and other ancient figures serve as examples to modern Jews fighting for similar freedoms. By placing each within the context of his or her times, Herzog also offers a broad view of Jewish history as a whole. Then, with the insight of one who has known many of his subjects personally, Herzog introduces more recent examples of Jewish bravery, as displayed by national leaders as well as groups of undecorated soldiers and ordinary citizens. He tells the poignant story of Hannah Szenes, who realized her dream of living on an Israeli kibbut, only to be drawn back to the danger of her native Hungary when World War II broke out, giving her own life to save the lives of many of her countrymen. Here too are the stories of David Ben-Gurion, and the Palmach, Israel's Youth Movement Army, which freed hundreds of thousands of World War II refugees from British internment camps and snuck them to safety and liberty in Palestine. The final dramatic chapter concerns the 1976 Israeli Defense Force's raid on Entebbe airport in Uganda that saved the lives of more than a hundred hijacking hostages. Heroes of Israel is an uplifting tribute not just to those whose stories are told but to a courageous people. These tales of heroism are a reminder of the universal strength of the human spirit when bolstered by passionate conviction.NOTES: Purchased at Half Price Books. SUBTITLE: Profiles of Jewish Courage