Book signings feature professor’s discussion of secret operation to save Israel

Cloak-and-dagger adventure lovers as far north as Closter, New Jersey, and as far south as Melbourne, Florida, will have a chance in coming weeks to attend book signings for a new nonfiction work about a secret, illegal 1947-49 operation to rescue newborn Israel.

Penn State assistant professor Boaz Dvir will discuss and sign “Saving Israel: The Unknown Story of Smuggling Weapons and Winning a Nation’s Independence” (Rowman & Littlefield) during four book signings:

•  Feb. 10, 6 p.m. — Beth Chaim Reform Congregation, Malvern, Pennsylvania;
•  Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. — Temple Emanu-El, Closter, New Jersey;
•  Feb. 12, 2:30 p.m. — Keystone Villa at Fleetwood, Blandon, Pennsylvania; and
•  March 12, 7 p.m. — Premiere Theaters Oaks 10 (hosted by the Jewish Federation of Brevard County), Melbourne, Florida. 

Dvir, an award-winning filmmaker who teaches journalism at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, spent more than a decade researching the story of World War II aviators who aimed to prevent what they viewed as an imminent second Holocaust

“The American Jewish and Christian role in helping Israel win its War of Independence in 1948 is little known in the U.S. or Israel,” said Ralph Lowenstein, dean emeritus of the University of Florida College of Journalism. “ ‘Saving Israel’ is a revelation.”

The 320-page book follows Dvir’s two documentaries about the operation:

•  “A Wing and a Prayer”
  Narrated by actor William Baldwin, the hour-long film aired on PBS in 2015-17, won Best Documentary at the 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, screened at sites such as the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, and is now available through streaming sites such as Amazon Prime. 
• “Israel Survived an Early Challenge”
  The eight-minute film, which Dvir co-produced with Retro Report, is available on Apple News.

“Saving Israel” is available in hardcover and digital formats from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and other websites and stores around the world.

“Drawing on over two-dozen interviews, Dvir’s book brings this incredible chapter in Israel’s early history to life,” said Miriam F. Elman, associate professor of political science at Syracuse University. “What motivated these men to fly for Israel at a time when its survival hung in the balance? ‘Saving Israel’ is a must read for anyone interested in military history and learning more about America’s war heroes.”