As the young son of active Zionists in the early twentieth century Poland (then Tsarist Russia), Menachem Begin focused early-on on his life’s central objective. As a law student, he participated actively in groups to further the Jewish cause in the eyes of the world and to defend against the pervasive discrimination toward Jews that prevailed throughout Europe. During his life, Begin encountered and survived severe persecution from groups that included the Nazis of Germany, Communists of the Soviet Union and Islamic foes of the Middle East. Overcoming incredible obstacles, he eventually became a major player on the world stage. At times, he needed to be a peacemaker. At other times he needed to be a ruthless war maker. But almost from birth to his death, his tenacious dedication to the survival of his dream, the free Jewish State of Israel, was his driving passion. Depending on one’s point of view, he has been glorified as a hero and vilified as a demon. All of Begin’s actions as a Jewish leader were driven strictly by his lifelong resolve and he never wavered in his mission. Twenty-three years after his death, Menachem Begin was named the fourth most important person in Israel’s history.