Shalom, I am Mike Flanagan, an Irish soldier whose journey led me to play a significant role in the formation of the Israeli armed forces. Born on May 15, 1926, I found myself drawn to a cause that transcended borders and ideologies.

My story unfolds during a crucial period in history, where my convictions led me to desert the British Army in Palestine. A decision that, to some, branded me as a deserter, but to others, marked me as a key contributor to the establishment of the Israeli armed for