Obligation of Service

Out of the chaos of World War I grew a unified Jewish military group committed to championing Zionist goals. When Vladimir "Ze'ev" Jabotinsky first conceived the idea of the Jewish Legion, he envisioned it as the nucleus of a Jewish army. But first, it was necessary for Jabotinsky to take practical steps. World War I created the perfect setting for his idea to come to fruition. The world was at war, and each country needed more manpower to overcome the enemy. In addition to this practical necessity, many people in British government and society support the goals of Zionism. What seemed to Jabotinsky like a win-win situation turned into years of struggle with the British government and military. Equally important to government support was the support of the Anglo-Jewish population. The debate over military service for both Anglo-Jews and Russo-Jews played out most clearly in the pages of the Jewish Chronicle, the oldest newspaper serving the Anglo-Jewish community. Should Jews serve as Jews in a special unit, or should they serve in the same way as other citizens? Should non-citizens be forced to serve in the British army, or should they be allowed to live off the land without fighting for its soil? The Jewish Chronicle not only presented these arguments within its pages but took part in the debate, sharing the opinion of the newspaper in editorials and columns throughout the war. The support of key individuals within the British government and Jewish society finally converged toward the end of the war. The Jewish Legion, comprised of Jews from Palestine, Russia, Britain, the United States, Argentina, and Canada, formed the 38th-40th battalions of the Royal Fusiliers and served in the Syria and Palestine campaigns at the end of World War I. The lasting significance of the Jewish Legion lies not in its service as much as in its formation. It was the first time in history when Jews and non-Jews around the world collaborated in a practical way that served the aims of Zionism.