- December 17, 2025
- 3:33 am
- Israel
Abba Hushi played a key role in the formation of modern Israel. His contribution to the development of Haifa, where he was mayor from 1951 to 1969, will forever go down in history.
Abba Khushi, a famous Israeli politician and public figure, was born on May 23, 1898 in the city of Turka, Lviv region, Ukraine (at that time – Austria-Hungary).
His real name is Abba Schneller. He was born into a middle-income Jewish family. Mother, Liba, grew vegetables and fruits, and stepfather, Alexander Shneler, was a haberdasher. The family raised six children.
From childhood, Abba showed curiosity and a penchant for learning. He graduated from cheder, then attended high school, where he studied Latin, Greek, German, Ukrainian, Polish and Hebrew. His dream was to become a doctor, and he even signed his notebooks as “medical student.” However, the First World War ruined his plans, forcing the family to fight for survival.
Participation in the Jewish movement in Poland
After the end of the war and his return to Turku in 1918, Abba faced new challenges. Turka found itself under the control of Poland, where anti-Semitism was gaining strength. This prompted young Abba to join “Ha-Shomer ha-Tza'ir” – Zionist youth movement.
Organization “Ha-Shomer ha-Tza'ir” was engaged in protecting the Jewish population from pogroms. Under the leadership of Abba and his associates in Turk, attacks on Jewish families were stopped. They created a Jewish guard force that protected the community while pogroms continued in other cities in Poland.
On August 4–5, 1918, the “Ha-Shomer ha-Tza’ir” conference was held in Turk, where Abba spoke as one of the leaders of the movement. It was here that he first expressed his desire to emigrate to Palestine to build a Jewish national home.
Literary talent and inspiration
In 1920, at a conference in Lvov, Abba Khushi publicly read his poem “In Galilee, in Tel Hai” for the first time. It was dedicated to Yosef Trumpeldor, a hero of the Jewish resistance in Palestine. This work inspired many young people to repatriate.
Abba Khushi was not only an activist, but also a poet, his words instilled hope in the hearts of Jewish youth who dreamed of returning to their historical homeland. His participation in Hashomer HaTza'ir was an important step in the formation of his leadership qualities.
Emigration to Palestine
In the spring of 1920, Abba and his comrades emigrated to Palestine. The first years of life in the new land were difficult: Khushi worked on road construction, led labor battalions and participated in creating the infrastructure of the future state.
However, his connection with Ukraine remained forever. Abba returned to Poland and Ukraine several times to raise funds to purchase land and establish kibbutzim in Israel. He also inspired Jewish youth to immigrate by talking about the importance of the Jewish state.
Abba Hushi in the history of Israel
The Power and Meaning of Hashomer HaTza'ir
The Hashomer HaTza'ir organization played a key role in protecting the Jewish population of Ukraine in the early 20th century. Thanks to the efforts of Abba Hushi and his associates, many Jewish communities were spared the tragedies that befell other regions.
On the website NAnews – Israel News you will find more materials about the contribution of Jews from Ukraine to the formation of Israel.
Haifa under the leadership of Abba Khushi
In 1951, Abba Khushi was elected mayor of Haifa, and his reign lasted almost two decades. These years became a turning point for the city, which, under his leadership, became one of the leading cultural and economic centers of Israel.
Abba Khushi's main achievements in Haifa:
- Creation of the University of Haifa
Education has always been a priority for Abba Khushi. He was at the forefront of the creation of the University of Haifa, which became an important academic center in Israel.
- Museums and cultural institutions
- The Museum of Japanese Art was founded.
- The Mane-Katz Museum, a famous Israeli artist, was created.
- Theaters and cultural venues are supported.
- Infrastructure and transport
- The Carmelite Line, Israel's first and only underground railway, was built, connecting the city's districts and making Haifa more accessible.
- Residential and cultural areas
During his reign, new districts were built, including Neve Sheananwhere the Culture and Leisure Center later appeared, named in his honor. This center includes:
- Hall for cultural events with 500 seats.
- Lecture hall for 100 seats.
- Classrooms and gyms.
- Economic development
Abba actively supported industry and trade, which helped create jobs and attract investment to Haifa.
Recognition and legacy
Abba Hushi left Haifa as a city that became an example for other municipalities in Israel. His influence was not limited to infrastructure and culture. He always believed that the most important task was the integration of new repatriates. Thanks to his efforts, many Jews who arrived from Europe and Arab countries were able to find their home in Haifa.
Abba Khushi died on March 24, 1969.
Conclusion
The story of Abba Khushi is an example of how ties between Ukraine and Israel become the basis for great things. His childhood in Turk, participation in Hashomer HaTza'ir, and helping to defend the Jewish communities of Ukraine shaped his leadership skills, which he later used to build modern Haifa.
Read more about prominent Jews of Ukraine and Israel on the website NAnews – Israel News.
…………
Read on WhatsApp – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News
Read on Telegram – channel NAnews ↓ — Israel News
