MAPAI

MAPAI: translation

(Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael—Israel Workers Party)

Mapai originated with the union of two smallerpolitical parties,Ahdut HaavodaandHapoel Hatzair, in 1930, but the roots of the movement can be traced to the turn of the century in Europe, especially Russia. Its program, a combination ofZionistand socialist ideologies, focused on the development of the Jewish people inEretz Israelas a free working people rooted in anagriculturalandindustrial economyand developing its ownHebrewculture.It supported membership in the world movement of the working class and cooperation in the struggle to eliminate class subjugation and social injustice in any form. Mapai soon became the dominant party in theYishuvand controlled theHistadrutas well as the national council and theJewish Agency. Many of the noted figures in the creation of Israel came from Mapai, includingDavid Ben-Gurion,Moshe Sharett(formerly Shertok),Golda Meir(formerly Meyerson),Moshe Dayan, and others.

In the elections for theKnessetfrom Israel's independence until 1965, when it ran in the framework of theAlignment, Mapai won the largest number of seats, and its leader was given the mandate to form the government. All of Israel'sprime ministersand Histadrut secretaries general, as well as many other senior members of the Israeli administrations and political elite, were Mapai members in the period from its founding until its merger into theIsrael Labor Party. It was the leading member of all government coalitions and generally held the key portfolios of defense, foreign affairs, and finance, as well as the post of prime minister. The party permeated the government, the bureaucracy, theeconomy, and most of the other institutions of Israel. Political advancement in Israel and party membership were generally coincident. In 1965, Mapai joined with Ahdut Haavoda to form theAlignmentto contest the Knesset election. In 1968, the Alignment joined withRafito form the Israel Labor Party.

See alsoPolitical parties.