Jewish War Hero David “Mickey” Marcus and the Founding of Israel

Col. David “Mickey” Marcus gave his life defending Jerusalem during the War of Independence. Find out how a Jewish kid from the rough streets of Brooklyn ended up a West Point graduate and part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II.

His work with Holocaust refugees inspired him to join the fledgling Israel Defense Force. The film Cast a Giant Shadow is based on his legacy, starring Kirk Douglas, who saw the role as a personal reflection.

Plus, his work standing up to New York mobsters like Lucky Luciano.

Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner during the shooting of the movie Cast a Giant Shadow near the Jerusalem Hills. Credit: David Eldan, Israeli Government Press Office, 1965

Col. David “Mickey” Marcus

David Marcus, intercollegiate welterweight boxing champion, 1932. Credit: Military History Institute / Chasing the Shadow: Mickey Marcus's 200 Days of Destiny by Steven L. Ossad

NOTES:

• 2014 Mickey Marcus West Point Memorial Service - The Jewish Channel

• Col. David Marcus Arrives in New York; Funeral Today - JTA, July 1, 1948

• Col. David Marcus Buried at West Point; Ceremony Held at New York’s City Hall

• West Point Rites Honor Hero Commissioner/Col. 'Mickey' Marcus

• Out of the Shadow and Into the Light: Col. David “Mickey” Marcus and U.S. Civil Affairs in World War II by Steven L. Ossad

• Colonel David D. “Mickey” Marcus - Distinguished Member of the Civil Affairs Regiment

• Memories of Uncle Mickey by great-niece Lilit Marcus