This paper explores journalist Abba Ahimeir’s six prison diaries (1934–1935), shedding light on his thoughts and emotions during British Mandate imprisonment. Written in Jerusalem’s central prison, these diaries delve into Ahimeir’s multifaceted personality, covering personal, familial, political, and public aspects. With a focus on the unsolved Arlosoroff murder, the paper examines the events leading to Ahimeir’s diary creation, emphasizing his perceptions of prison reality, insights into the Arlosoroff affair, and broader observations on culture and history. The goal is to present the complexity of Ahimeir’s character and offer historical context for the tumultuous years of the Yishuv under British rule.
Stern, D. O. (2024). Behind bars: Abba Ahimeir’s prison diary and its portrayal of politics, history, and culture. Jewish Culture and History, 25(4), 632–652.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1462169X.2023.2290392
