Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Jewish paramilitary organization: The Haganah was the primary underground military force of the Jewish community (Yishuv) in Palestine during the period of British rule (the British Mandate) from 1920 to 1948. It was established for self-defense and evolved into a more structured force, later forming the foundation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after the establishment of the State of Israel.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Haganah played a crucial role in defending Jewish settlements from attacks.
  • Many members of the Haganah later served in the Israeli army.

Advanced Usage

• Historical reference: The term is used specifically in historical contexts discussing the pre-state period of Israel, Zionist history, and the British Mandate era.
  • The archives contain documents detailing the Haganah's operations.

Variants and Related Words

• Haganah member: A person who served in the Haganah.
  • Her grandfather was a Haganah member.

Synonyms

• Jewish defense force (historical context)
• Underground militia (in the specific context of Mandatory Palestine)

Related Terms (Conceptual)

• Palmach: The elite strike force of the Haganah.
• Irgun: A rival Zionist paramilitary organization operating during the same period.
• Israel Defense Forces (IDF): The national military of the State of Israel, which succeeded the Haganah.

Noun

1. the clandestine military wing of the Jewish leadership during the British rule over the mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948; became the basis for the Israeli defense force