The Haganah was the Jewish clandestine defense force in Palestine, founded in 1920. The oath below was sworn by all new members. The "Foundation Doctrine" and Duties mentioned in the oath were evidently approved by the Histadrut at the foundation of the Hagannah - See Hagannah Foundation Doctrine ("Ushiyot").

A personal recollection of the dramatic induction ceremony and oath (1947) is given here: Joining the Haganah.

Another personal recollection (1934):

I was 14 years old when I took it the first time. It was in the cellar of the Mizrachi school in Jerusalem. The cellar was lit by a candle. Around the table were sitting 3 commanders of the Hagannah (one of them a friend of my father) on the table was a parabelum pistol. I had to put my hand on thr pistol and read the oath (I am not sure whether I had to sign). I then joined the Gadna - Gedoodei Noar [Paramilitary Youth]) . I am not sure whether I had to take another oath when I joined the 'Heyl Sadeh' (Hish) [the Hagannah forces organized by Yitshak Sadeh].

Evidently, the oath remained unchanged from 1920 until the dissolution of the Hagannah in 1948. See also Hagannah.

Copyright

The introduction above is copyright 2008 by Ami Isseroff. The material below is reproduced under the doctrine of fair use for educational purposes.

Hebrew Text

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