1946

December 9-24
The Twenty Second Zionist Congress convenes in Basle after a hiatus of more than seven years. It concentrates on the struggle for independence in Palestine. A discussion is held regarding clandestine aliyah. Weizmann, a moderate, is not elected as president of the WZO; Ben-Gurion's activist line is adopted. The Congress bestows upon him an additional position - head of the security portfolio.

In 1946, the settlers' institutes, headed by the Jewish Agency and Keren Hayesod, establish 25 new settlements; the largest number established in one year up until the founding of the State. Twenty-two "illegal" immigrant ships reach the shores of Palestine; most are caught by the British.