Yosef Trumpeldor - Zionist hero of Tel Chai

Yosef Trumpeldor became the highest ranking Jewish soldier in the Russian army. Despite prejudice and persecution, Trumpeldor won medals of honor in the Russo-Japanese War and even lost an arm in the fighting. Not satisfied to remain a war hero in Russia, Trumpeldor moved to Israel where he joined the pioneering movements. He also teamed up with Zev Jabotinsky to start the first Jewish army unit since Roman times. Begining with the Zion Mule Corps and later the Jewish Legion, Trumpeldor created what later became the Israel Defense Forces. Trumpeldor's philosophy of doing whatever it takes to help the cause and his favorite phrase of "ein davar", meaning "it doesn't matter", was an inspiration to many. Trumpeldor died at the battle of Tel Chai in 1920, uttering the words "tov lamoot b'ad artzenu," meaning "it is good to die for our country." Today, streets in every major Israeli city are named after him. This moment in Jewish history has been brought to you by Israel National Radio. For more freed podcasts on Israeli politics, culture, music and up-to-date news, visit http://www.IsraelNationalRadio.com.