The multi-faceted research into Bachad
When I began researching Bachad in earnest, I had no idea where it would lead. What began as a 'local' interest (the Thaxted farm) became a far wider and multi-pronged project, revealing multiple, transnational networks.
I am listing some of the areas and organisations I have explored in relation to Bachad below. I cannot - for reasons of the planned publication - reveal all the information here, but may add summaries in the near future.
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The beginnings of Religious Zionism
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The Mizrachi Organisation (1902 - )
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HaPoel HaMizrachi
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Bnei Akiva
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HeChalutz and other Jewish youth movements
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Jewish agriculture and Bachad's embracing of it
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Bachad's religious outlook
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The Youth Aliyah Organisation
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The British Mandate
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The Jewish 'Ha'apalah' (illegal immigration) to Palestine.
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The Religious Kibbutz Movement
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The establishment of the State of Israel, 1948
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The War of Independence and the Fall of Gush Etzion to the Jordanians
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Bachad's relationships with non-Jews
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(more to be added!)
Why is this history important?
Each community, people group and faith group tends to fashion its own history according to its unique interpretation of events and relationships. This is of course perfectly understandable and valid. However, to keep in mind a history that is from a different group to one's own - that is even more valuable, in my opinion. It is easy for our own version of reality to cut out what is strange to us, what we don't quite understand or what we assume is in opposition to our own view. What we don't realise though, is that we are the poorer if we don't take the history and experience of others on board - our reality is but a small part of a much larger whole. The other result of our insular mindsets is that we cease to engage with the 'other', retreating into a state of feeling threatened, misunderstood or anxious. Studying others' histories is but a first step in positively overcoming these barriers. It also, if one approaches others' history with due respect, showing an active interest, this fosters appreciation and understanding. There are many more reasons, of course! I'll be adding some more in due course.