Zionist revisionist thinker and author Zeev Jabotinsky fought to promote women in the Zionist movement, new archival materials published on the Hebrew anniversary of his death reveal.
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In one document sent from Jerusalem on March 15, 1929, Jabotinsky writes, "Gentlemen, with all my heart I would like to contribute to the payments of the municipal committee, but until women are part of the business management, my name will not be found on the list of taxpayers to your institution. With absolute respect," Zeev Jabotinsky.
Other letters preserved in archives show the emphasis Jabotinsky placed on women's participation in the movement. He supported electing women to key public posts, as well as full equality of social and economic opportunities. Jabotinsky went on to name women to important positions in the movement to fulfil the Zionist vision.
Along with Joseph Trumpeldor, Jabotinsky founded the Jewish Brigades that fought in World War I. He also set up a defense force to protect the residents of Jerusalem after Jews were targeted by riots, and commanded the Irgun (Etzel) paramilitary organization. This activity led to the British arresting him, and he was eventually banned from Palestina.
Until his death in 1940, Jabotinsky devoted his life to bringing the Zionist dream to fruition. After the state was founded, his remains were brought to Israel to be reburied, and he rests on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
In 2005, the Knesset voted into law an annual commemoration of the Hebrew date of his patting, the 29th of Tammuz.
Speaking at this year's ceremony on Mount Herzl on Tuesday, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, who is running in the Likud party primaries, said she was "thrilled to be honoring his legacy by cooperating with worthy elected representatives."
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