Bar-Zohar: A Career in Israeli Politics, Journalism, and Literature
From his early days as an immigrant to his tenure in the Knesset, Bar-Zohar has led a multifaceted life spanning academia, high-level government communication, and prolific authorship. His journey reflects a deep engagement with the political and security landscape of Israel, transitioning from a journalist documenting events to a lawmaker shaping policy.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born in Bulgaria, Bar-Zohar immigrated to Israel in 1948. He completed his secondary education at High School Heh in Tel Aviv before pursuing higher education. He studied economics and international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and furthered his academic credentials at the Institute of Political Science in the University of Paris, where he earned a PhD.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Professional Journey in Journalism and Government
Bar-Zohar began his professional career in the media, serving as the science editor for the weekly newspaper Davar in 1958. By the early 1960s, his work took him back to France, where he wrote for LaMerhav, an Israeli newspaper based in Paris, from 1960 to 1964.
His expertise in communication led him to a role as a spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Defense in 1967. Following this government service, he entered academia, lecturing at the University of Haifa between 1970 and 1973.
Political Career and the Knesset
Bar-Zohar's entry into formal politics began in the 1960s when he joined Rafi upon its founding in 1965. After Rafi merged into the Alignment in 1968 to form the Labor Party, Bar-Zohar became a member of the party and eventually joined its central committee.
His legislative career in the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) was marked by several terms:
- 1981: First elected to the Knesset on the Alignment list, serving on the Education and Culture Committee.
- 1984: Lost his seat in the general election.
- 1988: Regained his seat and was appointed chairman of the Education and Culture Committee.
- 1992: Lost his seat once again.
Known as a "hawk"—a term referring to those who favor a more aggressive or assertive foreign policy—within the Labor Party, Bar-Zohar was a protégé of Moshe Dayan. Despite later attempts to return via Labor Party primaries in the 1990s and joining Ephraim Sneh's Yisrael Hazaka party in 2008, he did not return to the Knesset after the 2009 elections.
Literary Contributions and Controversies
As a writer, Bar-Zohar has received significant recognition, including the Sokolov Award in 1965 for his journalistic achievements. His bibliography includes biographies of prominent leaders David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres, works on Israeli security organizations, and a historical account of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.
However, his 2010 book, Mossad: The Great Operations (co-authored with Nissim Mishal), became the center of a legal and ethical dispute. An investigation by the newspaper Haaretz alleged that the book plagiarized large portions of work by journalist Ronen Bergman, including the use of fictitious names Bergman had created for intelligence officers and units.
While Bar-Zohar and Mishal claimed they followed Bergman's work to avoid issues with the Israeli Military Censor, the dispute escalated. After an initial financial settlement, Bergman alleged the agreement was violated and attempted to block international publication. This resulted in a series of lawsuits in 2013, with Bar-Zohar and Mishal filing a libel suit and Bergman filing a suit alleging intellectual property theft and defamation.
Key Facts
- Education: PhD from the Institute of Political Science, University of Paris.
- Political Affiliations: Rafi, Alignment, Labor Party, and Yisrael Hazaka.
- Knesset Roles: Member and former Chairman of the Education and Culture Committee.
- Notable Awards: Winner of the Sokolov Award (1965).
- Key Works: Biographies of David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Organization/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Immigration to Israel | N/A |
| 1958 | Science Editor | Davar |
| 1960–1964 | Journalist | LaMerhav (Paris) |
| 1965 | Sokolov Award Winner | Journalism |
| 1967 | Spokesman | Ministry of Defense |
| 1970–1973 | Lecturer | University of Haifa |
| 1981, 1988 | Member of Knesset | Alignment / Labor Party |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bar-Zohar's role in the Knesset?
Bar-Zohar served as a member of the Knesset during terms starting in 1981 and 1988. He was a member of the Education and Culture Committee and eventually served as its chairman.
Which political parties was Bar-Zohar affiliated with?
He was a member of Rafi (founded 1965), the Alignment, the Labor Party, and later joined the Yisrael Hazaka party in 2008.
What are some of his most notable books?
He has written biographies of David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres, as well as books focusing on Israeli security organizations and the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.
What was the controversy surrounding "Mossad: The Great Operations"?
The book was accused of plagiarism by journalist Ronen Bergman. Haaretz reported that the authors copied significant portions of Bergman's work, leading to a financial settlement and subsequent lawsuits regarding intellectual property and defamation in 2013.
Why was Bar-Zohar described as a "hawk"?
He was considered a hawk within the Labor Party due to his political leanings and his association as a protégé of Moshe Dayan, typically indicating a preference for a more assertive security and foreign policy.