President Harry Truman recognized the new state. But there was little time for celebration. because within 24 hours. Israel was attacked by Arab forces from all sides. Immigrants who had just fled the horrors of the Holocaust were given guns and instructions to fight. in languages they did not understand. In that desperate War of Independence. Israel lost nearly 1% of its population defending itself. But the military acumen and spirit of sacrifice that made that victory possible presaged the building of the Israel Defense Forces--a true citizen armyinto one of the worlds most respected militaries. In subsequent wars when Israels survival was threatenedin 1956. 1967. and 1973.
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Immigrants