Support of Israel Frank Sinatra and Jewish activism



sinatra , ben-gurion


like many of contemporaries, sinatra supported establishment of state of israel. in september 1947, when united nations weighing ratification of partition plan palestine create jewish state, sinatra performed @ action palestine rally @ hollywood bowl drew 20,000 supporters.


sinatra involved in clandestine operation in new york city in march 1948 on behalf of haganah, israel s pre-state paramilitary organization. haganah had established base in new york smuggle arms palestine on u.s. embargo. haganah headquartered in hotel 14, located on same premises copacabana nightclub, , under continual surveillance federal agents. haganah representative teddy kollek saw sinatra @ copacabana bar , enlisted undercover operation. according kollek:



had irish ship captain sitting in port of new york ship full of munitions destined israel. had phony bills of lading , take shipment outside three-mile limit , transfer on ship. large sum of money had handed over, , didn t know how him. if walked out door carrying cash, feds intercept me , wind confiscating munitions.




went downstairs bar , sinatra came over, , talking. don t know came on me, told him doing in united states , dilemma was. , in hours of following morning walked out front door of building satchel, , feds followed me. out door went frank sinatra, carrying paper bag filled cash [estimated @ $1 million]. went down pier, handed over, , watched ship sail .



sinatra told daughter nancy, beginning of young nation. wanted help, afraid might fall down . according lehman, sinatra believed zionism righteous cause .








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