The Seventh Million: The Israelis and the Holocaust, explores the profound impact of the Holocaust on Israel's national identity, politics, and ideology. As the first comprehensive study to delve into this complex relationship, Segev utilizes diaries, interviews, and declassified documents to challenge traditional views and illuminate the evolving dynamics between Israel and its Holocaust survivors. This compelling narrative sheds light on key Israeli figures like Ben-Gurion and Begin, and major historical events such as the Eichmann trial and the Exodus affair, revealing how they were influenced by state ideology.
Highlighting the tension between Holocaust survivors and pre-existing Israeli citizens, Segev's analysis goes beyond conventional narratives to expose the emotional and ideological struggles that shaped the young nation. The book critically examines the political manipulation of Holocaust memories, a practice spanning across the ideological spectrum, often leading to cynical outcomes yet also pragmatic nation-building efforts. Through poignant accounts, including a powerful comparison of Israeli high school students visiting Auschwitz to Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem, Segev illustrates the complex and dynamic role of memory in shaping Israeli society.
Praised for its in-depth research and engaging prose, "The Seventh Million" is hailed as indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of Israeli society and the indelible shadow the Holocaust casts over it. With its critical insights and factual revelations—such as the surprising financial aid from West Germany in the 1950s—this book is not just a historical account but a vital text that continues to inform contemporary debates about nationalism, memory, and identity in Israel.
