The story of how the nation of Israel was founded is filled with heroes, villains, bloody battles, and miracles. With clear, accessible text and well-researched illustrations, Israel traces this dramatic history from biblical times to the triumphant proclamation in May 1948 that announced the birth of the Jewish state and plunged the new nation into war. A map of Israel today and a detailed time line spanning 1948 to the present complete this introduction to a fascinating subject.