A tribute to the founder of Betar, the Zionist youth movement—80 years of history!
It was under the pseudonym Altalena that Vladimir-Zeev Jabotinsky (1880–1940) wrote several of his works; he had adopted this pseudonym in Italy while working as a young press correspondent—and already as a committed Zionist activist—in the early 20th century.
It was also to pay tribute to its founder that the Irgun fighters named the ship they chartered in 1948 the Altalena. This ship, its glorious saga, and its tragic fate will be recounted in a future publication.
On behalf of the readers who will discover this magazine—just as I did myself—I thank the new leadership team of Betar France for taking the initiative to launch such a publication.
Israel and Zionism represent historical, geographical, and philosophical truths that must—and deserve to—be restored, affirmed, and strengthened. The cause is legitimate, and we can be proud of it. Just as in the past—a prestigious past—it falls to Betar to stand at the forefront and lead the way in such a commitment, together with its activists and with Altalena !
Editor's Note: This article is drawn from the archives of the Altalena newspaper and was originally published in May 2004. It is reproduced here as part of the effort to preserve and showcase the publication's historical archives.