“Exodus” Turns 62: Leon Uris’s Epic Tale Takes the Big Screen

Sixty-two years ago, Leon Uris accomplished what many others had failed to do: he wrote the epic novel that fulfilled young Israel’s desire to have her resurrection story told. “Exodus,” became an iconic representation of Israel, a symbol of the new Jew. The movie adaptation further solidified its significance, with its theme tune played at Jewish ceremonies in the United States and attracting tourists to visit Gan Dafna, the kibbutz where the novel’s protagonist lived.

While numerous writers documented Israel’s War of Independence, none captured its essence like Uris. The Haaretz-Israeli writers lacked the broad perspective and emotional integration necessary to resonate with wide audiences. Uris’s work stood out by providing a comprehensive view and appealing to the masses.

In 1958, Uris published “Exodus,” offering Israel a native hero, Ari Ben Canaan, and intertwining a melodramatic plot with the historical struggle of establishing the state. This departure from the American Jewish writers’ focus on their own immigration stories was significant. Uris himself had a connection to Eretz Yisrael through his father and uncles who remained in the country, adding a personal touch to his writing.

Uris embarked on his journey to write a new novel about the rise of Israel in 1956. After extensively researching and speaking with hundreds of people in Israel, the Sinai War broke out. Uris briefly served as a military journalist before returning to the USA in December 1956 to begin writing. By mid-1957, he had completed half of the novel, ultimately choosing the name “Exodus.” Uris aimed to share the story of Israel not only with a sympathetic audience but with the average American, bridging the moral heritage shared between Jews and Americans.

On June 21, 1961, the movie adaptation of “Exodus” premiered in Tel Aviv. Produced and directed by Otto Preminger, the film starred Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, and Ralph Richardson. “‘Exodus’ is about Jewish empowerment in a world emerging from the ashes of its destruction and anti-Semitism,” wrote Jerome A. Chanes. The novel’s validation of Jewish peoplehood and empowerment resonated with Jews worldwide, effectively popularizing Jewish empowerment and furthering the Americanization of Zionism and Israel.