How a Zionist armed group helped create the state of Israel

This Al Jazeera World Documentary delves into the life and legacy of Abraham Stern, the founder of Lehi. Stern was a key leader in the Zionist movement in the 1940s, recognized for his strong nationalism and radical methods to create a Jewish state in Palestine. The documentary illustrates Stern’s evolution from a talented student and poet to a radical nationalist dedicated to violent resistance against British rule, highlighting the complexities of his heroism and controversy.

Stern’s actions included bank robberies to finance his movement and an effort to negotiate with Nazi Germany. Stern was assassinated by British authorities, but his legacy continued through Lehi, which played a role in the eventual establishment of Israel. The film explores the ideological splits in the Zionist movement, critiques the moral consequences of their actions, especially the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, and examines how Stern’s radical beliefs still impact modern Israeli politics.