Zion Mule Corps in The Gallipoli War

The purpose and the main topic of present study are to examine the Zion Mule Corps in the British Army in the World War I which served on the Gallipoli Front. The significance of this unit lies not only in its service, but also in its formation. It was the first time in history when Jews collaborated in a practical way that served the aims of Zionism. The notion that formerly displaced Jews were fighting with a unique identity as Jewish soldiers was important and it was an event without precedent in modern history. The service of this unit established a precedent that Jews could fight to achieve the aims of Zionism. It showed that the Jews should not wait for Palestine to be offered by other nations, and showed that they would take their future in their own hands. In this context, while 2015 marks the centenary of the combats on the Gallipoli front, the Jewish efforts and contribution in this war marks an important milestone in Jewish history.

Keywords

Israel, Mule Corps, the Gallipoli, Jabotinsky, Trumpeldor