In 1948, World War II aviators risked their lives in a secret operation to smuggle weapons and planes to the Israeli military.

Israel Survived an Early Challenge With War Planes Smuggled by U.S. Vets

Producers: Boaz Dvir and Barbara Dury
Editors: Boaz Dvir and Anne Checler
Associate Producer: Victor Couto
World War II aviators risked their lives in 1948 in a secret operation to smuggle weapons and planes to the Israeli military, defending the newly-created Jewish state in its first war with Arab neighbors. In a trial 70 years ago, leaders of the mission were found guilty of violating the U.S. Neutrality Act. At that time, relations between the United States and Israel were rocky, an atmosphere that is newly relevant today.
Transcript Lesson Plan
 

More Like This

As Massacre Survivors Seek Justice, El Salvador Grapples With 1,000 Ghosts

As Massacre Survivors Seek Justice, El Salvador Grapples With 1,000 Ghosts

“Massacre in El Salvador,” a collaboration with Frontline and ProPublica, tells the story of the worst massacre in recent Latin American history, and why a final reckoning is at risk.

Gerrymandering Tilts Political Power. Here’s How Redistricting Affects Democracy.

Gerrymandering Tilts Political Power. Here’s How Redistricting Affects Democracy.

Both parties play the redistricting game, redrawing electoral boundaries to lock down power. Are you a teacher? Check out our teaching resources for this video and upcoming webinar.

How the Military Response to 9/11 Led to Two Decades of War in Afghanistan

How the Military Response to 9/11 Led to Two Decades of War in Afghanistan

Officials who drove the decades-long war in Afghanistan look back on the strategic mistakes and misjudgments that led to a 20-year quagmire. For teachers: This video is part of a collection of resources including four short films, each accompanied by a lesson plan and student activity.

Why the Cold War Race for Nuclear Weapons Is Still a Threat

Why the Cold War Race for Nuclear Weapons Is Still a Threat

The Cold War may be over, but an arms race continues, even as safeguards once in place have fallen away.