About Us
Betar is more than a movement—it’s a mission. Founded in 1923 by Zionist visionary Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Betar is a global organization dedicated to empowering Jews to embrace their identity, defend their heritage, and build a thriving future for the Jewish people.
As one of the oldest and most impactful Zionist youth movements, Betar has a proud history of action, leadership, and resilience. Rooted in the principles of liberty, democracy, and unwavering commitment to the land of Israel, Betar inspires its members to stand strong against antisemitism and advocate boldly for Zionism.
Leadership
The leadership and board of directors of Betar US, the Betar Zionist Movement are lifelong supporters of Betar.
The founder of Betar was Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Two Betar members, Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir have served as Israel’s Prime Ministers while Benzion Netanyahu who served as Jabotinsky’s longterm chief of staff is the father of “Israel’s” longest serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Many of the leaders of the State of Israel, including multiple current Cabinet members, Knesset members, diplomats and ambassadors grew up in the Betar movement and consider themselves Jabotinsky followers.
Reading Materials
Explore Betar’s recommended reading list to deepen your understanding of Jewish resilience, Zionist history, and the legacy of Ze’ev Jabotinsky:
Leadership Team
Meet the leaders who uphold Betar’s mission and embody our values. Our leadership team is dedicated to inspiring, guiding, and empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders to carry forward Jabotinsky’s legacy.
A Life
A well-written, passionate survey of Jabotinsky’s life and contributions to political Zionism.
Terror Out of Zion
This is the definitive story of desperate, dedicated revolutionaries who were driven to conclude that lives must be taken if Israel were to live
The Battle for Israel's Soul
Reviled as a fascist by his great rival Ben-Gurion, venerated by Israel’s underclass, the first Israeli to win the Nobel Peace Prize, a proud Jew but not a conventionally religious one, Menachem Begin was both complex and controversial
Samson by Ze’ev Jabotinsky
The War and The Jew by Ze’ev Jabotinsky
The Revolt by Menachem Begin
White Nights by Menachem Begin
Lone Wolf
A Biography of Vladimir (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky Two Volume Set Hardcover by Shmuel Katz
The Life & Times of Vladimir Jabotinsky
Rebel & Statesman: The Early Years Hardcover – by Joseph B. Schechtman
The Political and Social Philosophy of Ze’ev Jabotinsky
Selected Writings by Mordechai Sarig, Shimshon Feder and Daniel Carpi
Every Individual, a King
The Social and Political Thought of Ze’ev Vladimir Jabotinsky by Raphaella Bilski Ben-Hur
Days Of Fire By Shmuel Katz
Free Jerusalem
Heroes, Heroines and Rogues Who Created the State of Israel by Ze’ev Golan