The aim of this course is to discuss the complex situation of the Zionist leadership facing the destruction of the European Jews. The following questions among others, will be explored:  When and how the heads of the Yishuv and the Zionist leadership realized that the Jews were victims of a systematically destruction plan?  Did they try to help their Jewish brethren, Zionists and non-Zionists?  What were the options that were available to them? Did they invest enough efforts in plans that were unrelated to the Zionist cause? Could they do more in spite of the Allies opposition?

We will try to understand why rescue plans such as the mission of Joel Brand  failed. In addition we will examine the aims and the outcome of the Parachutists Mission of the Yeshuv to German-occupied Europe.