Bookstore Glossary Library Links News Publications Timeline Virtual Israel Experience
Anti-Semitism Biography History Holocaust Israel Israel Education Myths & Facts Politics Religion Travel US & Israel Vital Stats Women
donate subscribe Contact About Home

Eliyahu Lankin

(1914 - 1994)

Lankin was born September 25, 1914, in Russia, and moved with his family to China at the age of three in the wake of the October Revolution. At 16 joined Betar and three years later, immigrated to Eretz Israel. He served in the Betar companies in various parts of the country and in 1934 joined the Irgun. Was a member of Menachem Begin's General Headquarters. In addition, he was appointed in May 1944 Commander of Jerusalem District. Lankin ook part in the attack on the District British Intelligence in Jerusalem (14 July 1944). In December 1944, he was arrested by the British as a result of informing by the Haganah and exiled to Africa. Lankin participated in several escape attempts until he succeeded in escaping from the camp in Eritrea (November 10, 1945). After many adventures, he reached Paris in January 1947 and was appointed commander of the Irgun headquarters in Europe. Lankin commanded the Altalena, which he brought to Israel. After coming ashore, he was arrested by the Israeli government and kept in administrative detention for two months.

On release, he joined the IDF and graduated from an officer's course. Lankin ws a battalion commander. Later, he served as a member of the first Knesset.

Lankin also wrote a book: The Story of Altalena (Hadar, 1967).


Sources: The Irgun Site