We Went To Prison Today
The Akko prison intersects the Crusaders with the Ottoman empire, the British Mandate, and the Jewish resistance movements throughout Palestine. Today, the 12th century Crusader Hospitaller Center bears evidence of the 18th century Muslim fortress with military barracks and palaces, and the 19th century British prison. During the British Mandate, there were three major prisons: Jerusalem (Russian Compound and Kishle); Akko; and Bethlehem (women’s prison).
The other inmates celebrated in this now museum are the Jewish underground resistance fighters, from three main groups: the Haganah, the Etzel, and the Lehi, and most especially Zeb Jabotinsky.
- Building Israel
- Being strong
According to our speaker, the traditional perspective of Jewish history was as an account of a passive, weak people who had been unwilling or unable to defend themselves. Zionism sought to communicate strength and heroism as redemptive qualities
Indeed, these themes were easily recognized in the steel girders, blossoming trees, and pictures of verdant fields, houses, and families in the backgrounds of each of the didactic panels telling the stories of the prisoners.
Our speaker also pointed out the narrative that was missing, and asked what impact that might have on the community of Akko as a Mixed City, and what greater implications this museum’s choices may indicate for a nation as diverse as Israel, with nearly 25% of its population as Arab.
As New York Senator William L. Marcy famously said, “To the victor belong the spoils.” History is often written by the victors. Even today, when we read a news article about conflict among peoples, we are being guided in how to view each side—are they terrorists, or are they freedom fighters, are they rebels or revolutionaries? The tactics are the similar, but the narrative is very different.