A Life Forged in Conflict and Politics: Shaul Mofaz’s Remarkable Journey
The name Shaul Mofaz might not immediately ring a bell for everyone, but for those familiar with Israeli military and political history, it represents a significant figure. Born Shahram Mofazazkar in Tehran, Iran, in November 1948, his trajectory from a high-ranking military officer to a senior politician and cabinet minister saw him frequently gracing the pages of newspapers. However, it’s under his adopted Israeli name, Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz, that he gained widespread recognition. Mofaz served as the former IDF Chief of General Staff, former Israeli Defence Minister, and formerly led the Kadima political party, an entity established by Ariel Sharon in November 2005.
Sharon himself was instrumental in inviting Mofaz, a veteran of numerous military engagements, to transition into the political arena. Despite initial reservations, Mofaz, after consulting with his family, accepted Sharon’s offer. His political ascent was swift; he eventually became the leader of Kadima and head of the opposition in the Knesset, securing a decisive victory in a leadership contest against Tzipi Livni in March 2012. This wasn’t his first foray into party leadership battles; he had narrowly lost to Livni in 2008 when Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resigned amid corruption allegations. Kadima, as a political force, enjoyed a decade-long presence before gradually fading from the national spotlight, a fate shared by many once-prominent political figures.
Documenting a Life of Action
Mofaz’s life has been one of constant engagement with pivotal historical events. It was this very involvement that prompted his family to urge him to document his experiences in an autobiography. Such an undertaking, whether self-initiated or family-inspired, is always a formidable challenge, particularly for an individual who has fought as an officer in numerous major battles and wars. The vagaries of memory can often blur the lines between fact and recollection, making it difficult to accurately reconstruct past events.
Fortunately for Mofaz, this particular hurdle was significantly diminished. He had cultivated a lifelong habit of carrying a yellow notepad, meticulously documenting events as close to real-time as possible. This consistent practice provided a solid foundation for his memoir, My Israeli Journey. His extensive notes, maintained in chronological order, even extended back to periods before he was capable of writing himself, offering a rich tapestry of his early life and the circumstances of his family’s immigration to Israel.
A Multifaceted Memoir
My Israeli Journey offers a compelling read for a diverse audience. Those with a keen interest in military strategy and its practical application will find the book invaluable. It avoids a dry, textbook-like approach, instead offering a personal perspective filled with intimate details of conversations, the harsh realities of battlefield conditions, and the complex attitudes towards the enemy.
However, the memoir’s scope extends far beyond the battlefield. It delves into the personal: the intricacies of family life, the fierce struggles of political maneuvering, and the deep-rooted traditions of Jewish heritage. Mofaz is generous in acknowledging the individuals who, directly or indirectly, shaped his path to success.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Perhaps the most profound aspect of Mofaz’s memoir is its intended purpose as a gift to his family’s future generations. Often, individuals born outside of Israel find it challenging to convey the richness of their homeland’s traditions and their own life experiences to their children, who may exhibit limited interest in distant narratives. This is frequently different for the offspring of IDF soldiers serving in the permanent army. While they might not be captivated by tales of the distant past, they often possess a strong desire to understand their parents’ roles and contributions within the Israel Defense Forces.
Tragically, after a parent or grandparent passes away, many children come to regret not having sought out information about their heritage and family history. This is a regret Mofaz’s descendants are unlikely to experience. Even if the physical book were to be misplaced, a copy is guaranteed to reside in the National Library of Israel, a testament to a law requiring all published Israeli works to be archived.
Preserving Heritage and Memory
The personal touch extends beyond the written word. Mofaz’s wife, Orit, has embraced and mastered the art of preparing Persian culinary delights, a skill learned from her mother-in-law. These dishes are now a cherished part of the Mofaz household, enjoyed by their grandchildren, and likely familiar to them through cherished family recipes.
Beyond the personal narratives, the memoir is generously interspersed with photographs, serving as a visual reminder of the individuals who played crucial roles in the security and development of the Jewish state. These faces will be instantly recognisable to students of Israeli history, especially given the enduring tradition of retired generals transitioning into prominent political careers. While Mofaz himself features prominently in many of these images, the book also offers a glimpse into the appearances of other influential figures.
The photographic collection includes prominent military leaders such as Yitzhak Rabin, Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon, Moshe Ya’alon, Moshe Arens, Eliezer Shkedi, Ido Nehushtan, Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, Shimon Peres, Ezer Weizman, Itzik Mordechai, and Gabi Ashkenazi, often depicted in and out of military uniform. Mofaz’s extensive career also saw him meeting with global leaders and influential personalities, many of whom are captured in the book’s extensive visual archive. These include figures like Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, King Abdullah of Jordan, US President George W. Bush, and US Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Hilary Clinton.
The photographs even trace Mofaz’s personal journey back to his earliest days, featuring images from Tehran during his infancy, his parents’ engagement and wedding, and his grandmother bidding farewell as the family embarked on their journey to Israel.
From Tehran to Tel Aviv: A New Beginning
The Mofaz family, accompanied by various relatives, arrived in Tel Aviv on October 5, 1957. Like many immigrant children, the young Shaul harboured a deep desire to assimilate and be accepted as a “Sabra,” a native-born Israeli. Little could he have known at that tender age the extraordinary heights he would reach, surpassing the achievements of many born on Israeli soil.
An Offer He Couldn’t Refuse
The calibre of IDF personnel, both serving and recently retired, has often been sought after to spearhead international fundraising campaigns for major organisations. Mofaz was a prominent figure on this esteemed list, undertaking tours in the United States on behalf of Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal and Friends of the IDF.
During one such period, Mofaz received a lucrative job offer from William Cohen, who had served as US Secretary of Defense during Mofaz’s tenure as Chief of Staff. Cohen, leading a large law firm involved in consultancy and international trade, was keen to enter the international defence industry and proposed Mofaz lead these ventures. Mofaz expressed his intent to consider the offer. However, before he could fully contemplate it, he received a call from Dov Weisglass, Ariel Sharon’s chief of staff and close advisor. “Arik wants you to be defence minister,” Weisglass relayed.
Caught somewhat by surprise, Mofaz cited existing commitments in the US and the UK. Weisglass, however, insisted on his immediate return, citing a coalition crisis. Mofaz, with the unwavering support of his wife, maintained that he would first honour his existing obligations before returning to Israel.
A Testament to a Life Lived
Originally penned in Hebrew, Mofaz’s memoir was translated into English by Reuven Ben-Shalom. While unable to comment on the accuracy of the translation without having read the original Hebrew, the English version is presented as an accessible and engaging read. It boasts an exceptionally comprehensive index, allowing readers to swiftly locate specific individuals or events of interest. Although not conceived as a reference book, it stands as one of the most accurate, non-academic records of Mofaz’s distinguished service in the IDF and his subsequent contributions to his country.
One can only speculate, but perhaps after the conclusion of the current conflicts, Mofaz might revisit the land of his birth, adding yet another compelling chapter to his already extraordinary life story.
MY ISRAELI JOURNEY
By Shaul Mofaz
Gefen Publishing House
411 pages; NIS 140
