Aryeh Ben Eliezer

(1913 - 1970)

Born December 16, 1913 in Vilna, then Russia. Immigrated to Eretz Israel with his family at the age of 7. At 13 joined Betar and during the 1929 and 1936 Arab riots, took an active part in the defense of Tel Aviv.

On the outbreak of World War Two, was sent on an Irgun mission to the United States. With Hillel Kook, Eri Jabotinsky, Shmuel Merlin and Yitzhak Ben-Ami, founded the Committee for the Rescue of European Jewry and later on the Committee for National Liberation.

In 1943 returned to Eretz Israel on a mission for the Committee for the Rescue of European Jewry. He met with Begin and was asked to become a member of the first Irgun General Headquarters established by Menachem Begin.

In April 1944 was arrested by the British, and was one of 251 detainees exiled in October of that year to Africa, where he was the representative of the exiles before the British authorities.

In January 1947, succeeded in escaping with several comrades and on May 1st reached France.

On the establishment of Israel, returned home and was among the founders of the Herut movement. Was elected to the Knesset as a Herut member and served as Deputy Speaker.

Sources: The Irgun Site