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INVISIBLE BUT EVER PRESENT The Life Story of Shaul Avigor, senior official in the security establishment and the Labor Movement - In a new book Shaul Avigor (Meirov) held a series of senior positions in the defense establishment, settlement departments of the labor movement and organized Jewish settlement during British rule in Eretz Israel, and through the first two decades of Israel's independence. More than anything else however, during that period he was involved in rescuing Jews from countries in distress bringing them to Israel, and looking after their absorption here. He directed illegal immigration operations for the Aliyah Bet organization during the underground period, which preceded the establishment of the State, and during the 1950's and '60's he headed "Nativ" - the organization which conducted secret contacts with groups of Jews in the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries behind the Iron Curtain. This was the pinnacle of a long, rich, multi-faceted career of a man, much of whose activity took place behind the scenes, far from public view, or as the poet Natan Alterman once wrote: "Shaul was at once both invisible, and ever present". Shaul was not a professional authority in many of the areas which he commanded: He was not a member of the military, he did not acquire any expertise in the purchase or sailing of ships, in the acquisition of weapons and he was certainly no diplomat. Nor was Shaul gifted in the art of rhetoric and his analytical abilities were by no means outstanding. Nevertheless, he managed to concentrate considerable power and knew how to impose almost unchallenged obedience on those who worked with him and under his command. The secret of Shaul's leadership and strength lay principally in his character: honesty, reliability and his dedication which were beyond doubt. More than anything else, Shaul's personality embodied moral authority and he was perceived as someone who through his actions represented the Zionist consensus. Those who worked with him accepted his authority without question, even if his decisions did not always seem convenient. It was clear to them that Shaul made his decisions on a value basis, without prejudice and without involving personal considerations. The words - "Shaul said so" - closed many arguments and disputes which arose among his subordinates. Shaul's worldview was typical of a generation, which was motivated by action, and largely by a firm ideology. He viewed his life as an integral part of the revival of national Jewish life in Eretz Israel. He demanded that individuals identify totally with the overall Zionist goals, he rarely addressed personal tendencies and needs, and led a modest life-style - some would say almost ascetic.
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