Our History
Hebrew acronym for the Brit Yosef Trumpeldor youth movement founded in Riga, Latvia in 1923 and an offshoot of the world Revisionist movement led by Vladimir Jabotinsky, which had a stated goal of establishing a Jewish state across all of Palestine and Jordan. Jabotinsky was elected leader of Betar in 1931. With 70,000 members by 1934, Betar became one of the largest and most influential youth movements in Poland and across Europe, as well as Palestine, and it provided a strong base of support to the Revisionist movement.
Its vision was for a Jewish state in Palestine and it was characterized by strong Zionist ideals and traditional values. Betar thus became an incubator for the development of right-wing Zionist ideas and its leaders were active in Europe in the underground in the days of the Nazis and worldwide as Jews raising a voice and more. In Palestine, Betar members facilitated illegal Jewish immigration and were active instigators of disturbances and violence, frequently bombing areas in response to attacks and waging guerilla warfare against the British. Betar eventually joined with Irgun, sharing leadership and cadres. Menahem Begin, who went on to become Israeli prime minister, led the two movements during the 1940s, including a revolt against the British in 1944 and fighting against the Palestinians in 1947–8.
Building a Strong, Proud Jewish Future
Betar”s work goes beyond action—it”s about inspiration. Our unapologetic, aggressive stance against antisemitism embodies Jabotinsky”s vision of Betarim as “proud, strong, and fierce.” Each rally, cleanup, or response inspires others to stand up, speak out, and embrace their identity with confidence and pride.
By addressing the gaps left by local authorities and passive organizations, Betar shines a bright, unyielding light on antisemitism and empowers the Jewish community to take back the narrative. We are not just a movement—we are a force for action, resilience, and change. Together, through our chapters and initiatives, we are shaping a united and empowered Jewish future.
Timeline
Leadership Team
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 long-term 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.
Foundation of Betar
Betar—short for Brit Yosef Trumpeldor—was founded in 1923 in Riga, Latvia by Ze’ev Jabotinsky as part of the Revisionist Zionist movement. Named in honor of the Jewish hero Yosef Trumpeldor, Betar was built on the principles of Jewish strength, self-defense, and national pride.
From its inception, Betar’s mission was unapologetically bold: to establish a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River—encompassing all of historic Palestine and Transjordan. Jabotinsky envisioned a new type of Jew—proud, strong, disciplined, and ready to defend the Jewish people and homeland.
What began as a youth movement has since evolved into a global force for Zionist education and action, rooted in the same core values that sparked its founding: Jewish sovereignty, personal courage, and an unbreakable commitment to the Land of Israel.
Rapid Growth
By the 1930s, Betar had become one of the largest and most influential Jewish youth movements in Europe, with 70,000 members by 1934. The movement played a critical role in shaping the ideological foundation of right-wing Zionism.
Resistance and Independence
In the 1940s, Betar joined forces with the Irgun, a Jewish underground paramilitary organization, under the leadership of Menachem Begin. United by a shared vision of Jewish sovereignty, they launched a coordinated revolt against the British Mandate in Palestine. This alliance played a pivotal role in the struggle that led to Israel’s independence in 1948.
The Birth of Israel
With the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, Betar’s long-standing efforts—promoting aliyah, aiding Jewish immigration, and instilling resilience in Jewish communities—reached a historic milestone. The movement’s unwavering commitment to Jewish sovereignty, strength, and national identity played a vital role in laying the groundwork for this monumental achievement.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Betar continues to build on its legacy, championing the values of Zionism and resilience in the face of modern challenges. As it inspires a new generation of leaders, Betar remains a movement rooted in the ideals of strength, pride, and an unwavering dedication to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.