HUGO N. GERSTL

The Magnificent Trio That Build

the Israeli Air Force

1947 – the United Nations has just declared that the British Mandate over Palestine will come to an end. In May 1948, it will be divided into two independent states: Jewish Israel and Arab Palestine. The Arab world reacts immediately: There will be no Jewish state, and its Jewish population will be driven into the sea! The odds are astonishing: 65,000,000 Arabs aligned against 600,000 Israeli Jews. Britain has washed its hands of the whole problem, and although the Arab countries have already been armed to the teeth, the United States, under the guise of the Neutrality Act, has made it a felony for any American to supply either side with arms of any kind.

Enter a Trio – Al Schwimmer, Hank Greenspun, and Charlie Winters – three men who defy the Neutrality Act and risk felony convictions by supplying the embryonic State of Israel with twenty-three former German Messerschmitt Bf 109s smuggled in from Czechoslovakia, erasing the Nazi swastikas and painting Jewish Stars of David on the tails. Al Schwimmer founds a bogus “Panamanian” airline and arranges to fly seven large aircraft out of Panama “to do an aerial survey,” never returning. Instead, they fly to Israel while bombing Cairo enroute. Hank Greenspun secures a huge cache of ammunition from a junk dealer in Hawaii and helps himself to a similar store of weapons at the unsecured U.S. Naval Storage Depot next door, smuggling the weapons to Mexico on a hijacked yacht and ultimately shipping them “to Nationalist China” as “irrigation equipment” – via Israel. Charlie Winters contributes B-17 bombers to the cause.

After their return to the U.S. and their subsequent felony convictions – for which they were fined and stripped of most of their rights as U.S. citizens – David Ben-Gurion recruits Schwimmer to start a small aircraft maintenance plant in Israel, which will become Israel Aircraft Industries, a billion-dollar-a-year operation.

Greenspun, who served for a brief period as a publicity man for mobster Bugsy Siegel’s Flamingo Hotel, purchases a defunct biweekly newspaper, which he turns into the Pulitzer Prize-winning Las Vegas Sun – and, along the way, is among the first to call witch-hunting senators Joseph McCarthy and Patrick McCarran to account. Winters returns to importing and exporting fruit and diamonds between Israel, the Caribbean, and the United States.

After the Six-Day War in 1967, when France reneges on its commitment to sell Israel fifty advanced fighter jets, Schwimmer and his crew manage to “steal” the plans and blueprints from a friendly Dassault engineer in Geneva. Within six months Israel Aircraft Industries is turning out its own home-grown Mach 2 multi-role fighter aircraft, the Nesher (Vulture). And afterward, the story goes on and brings the Iran-Contra affair and numerous unbelievable-but-true adventures to light.

Against All Odds was a surprising best-seller for me and continues to sell briskly today.

AGAINST ALL ODDS – HOW THIS BOOK CAME TO BE

After Billy Jenkins, certainly one of my favorite books I’ve written, I had too much on my plate to spend time bemoaning its fate. I had two quite large cases to try. My 50th high school reunion was coming up, and I had committed to writing the class historical memoir, Whatever Happened to the Heiwans – Winter ’59?  My son, who was celebrating his 40th birthday in San Diego, wanted Lorraine and me to come down to San Diego, where he lives, to participate in the big event at a place called Dave & Buster’s, a popular entertainment venue.

The confluence of the high school reunion and Jeff’s birthday coalesced into the germ of an idea for an historical novel which would become another favorite of mine, but which languished for awhile, and only came out four years later as Arcade.

For years, Lorraine and I subscribed – and still do – to The Forward, the Jewish news magazine published out of New York, which has been the inspirational source for several of my books, many of which I’ve never completed. While I was in the midst of working on The Demigod, my often-started but never-finished novel about the life of Julius Caesar, I chanced upon an article in The Forward which commemorated the life and death of Al Schwimmer, of whom I’d never heard. That article piqued my interest and, as I followed it up with research, one of my favorite “sleuthing” activities, the inspiration for what was originally called Trio emerged.

The book was renamed Against All Odds. I must admit the title change most likely boosted sales significantly. Two of the most gratifying moments after publication came when my Rabbi’s wife accosted me one day and said, “How in the world did you find out about the guy who gave the arms to Greenspun? He was my uncle!” The second came when I attended a Jewish Film Festival in Monterey and Steven Spielberg’s sister, who’d produced a film based on the beginnings of the Israeli Air Force had heard about my book and was overwhelmingly gracious and pleased when I gave her a copy!

AGAINST ALL ODDS-AMAZON COMMENTS

These are genuine reviews from Amazon.com. Names and email addresses have been deleted to protect the privacy rights of those who were kind enough to write in, but feel free to visit Amazon.com to see the originals of these reviews.  Thank you. – Hugh

***** This is one of the best books I have read in years. Although an historical fiction, it is built around actual world events and real people. With few exceptions, the stories are realistic and quite revealing about the Jewish mindset world wide to support their new nation, I looked up many of the events and well known characters in it and they seem to be accurate. I am not Jewish but I have been fascinated with and highly respect their ability to survive against all odds. When I served as a pilot in the USMC, I heard the Israel air force had the best pilots in the world and that was just 20 years after the founding of Israel. Mr. Gerstl has written a wonderful story. Look forward to another good historical fiction. – August 2014

***** A master story teller's touch to a true historical story. Gerstl hits a home run with his fictionalized narrative of a series of events that changed the history of Israel, including its current mastery of its aircraft industry. A refreshing narrative spun around the bravery and chutzpah of a small group of innovative and giving individuals. An entertaining tale of real history, fictionalized for easy and entertaining reading. – November 2012

**** Another Great Read by Mr. Gerstl. Mr. Gerstl develops characters so vividly allowing you, the reader, to forge a true relationship with them. You become so invested in the story line and find reasons to remain glued to your book or Kindle. "Against all Odds" is a wonderful example of Mr. Gerstl's great storytelling. We see the protagonist through a lifespan and feel the angst of each life experience. A clear bonus with all of Mr. Gerstl's novels is all the great history and background information you glean along the way. Very entertaining read! – February 2013

***** Against All Odds, This rating was chosen because this is truly a magnificent story based on real people. The fictional part was not as good as the true part but it did add some interesting name dropping. Some of the famous people who were added may or may not have been so. It would be interesting to know which ones were true. The results achieved by these three talented men was truly against all odds. – April 2015

***** An Amazing Read on an Important Story. It started with the end of British influence over Palestine lead and the formation of two states, which set the stage for what would ultimately be at the center of many conflicts. As the title suggests, the odds of Israel surviving (appeared to be) small. Three men in particular risked everything to help the cause they believed in. The story is fascinating, important, and greatly improved my understanding of the six-day war and the history surrounding it. The book is very well written, which makes it an enjoyable read. – August 2012

**** This is why people should read more. This is an amazing read! Excellent fiction based on real history in the shadows. Very well written and such an incredible story based on real hero's and their unselfish acts to help give a new State a fighting chance against a sea of enemies. After you read this book, look up the actual people this book is based on, and it makes it even sweeter. – February 2014

**** Entertaining. Very entertaining account of real and important events. It was like sitting on your grandfather's knee and listening to him recall his extraordinary life. – January 2016

***** Five Stars. Loved this book. Can't wait to read others by this author. – September 2016

**** It is a good read also for those who don’t know enough. A very well written story of pioneering patriots. It is a good read also for those who do not know enough about the early days of Israel's development as a nation-state. – November 2014

**** An Excellent Read. If you know anything about the men (and their families) in this book, you find yourself wondering which part is fiction and which part is not. An excellent read. – January 2015

***** Against All Odds. Another wonderful story from Hugo Gerstl. This true story told in novel form, gives a great history lesson to those of us who like their history in story form. I always buy anything by this author and always recommend him to other readers. – September 2012

**** Fast, Fun, Exciting Read. This was a terrific read about three fictional heroes of the establishment of the State of Israel. The stories intertwined beautifully and I strong recommend the book. – September 2012

** Disappointing. Expected a lot – disappointing. – December 2015

***** This was a great read. This was a great read. I have recommended to many people. I knew many of the characters in the book which made it more meaningful. – July 2014

***** Very interesting true story. This was a great read. I have recommended to many people. I knew many of the characters in the book which made it more meaningful. – December 2012

***** Outstanding book. The book is listed as historical fiction, but it is much more history than fiction. The self sacrificing love of country of these three men, and their families, is inspiring. – September 2012

**** Four stars. Fits well with exodus and Haj! – March 2015

***** Five stars. Excellent story – October 2014

***** Against All Odds. Many great successes had a small beginning. Some have started in a garage, others in a basement or cellar. What it takes is an idea, a dream, some ingenuity, and a lot of hard work. Hugo Gerstl has not only written a book of historical value, but more so, it is inspirational and motivational. He demonstrates that anything can be done. As a retired US Air Force Officer I found this book particularly interesting. The idea of being dependent on other nations for Israel's security surrounded by hostile nations now seems absurd. It had to happen that Israel became self sufficient. The book describes well the determination and eventual success of this endeavor. Today nations either fear or admire Israel for its incredible successes through its military, including its own Air Force. A very interesting and inspiring story well told. – October 2012

***** Gerstl Hits a Big One. Hugo Gerstl hits a homer in this reader friendly gem. It's a great review of some of the history of modern Israel and the sometimes heroic efforts of regular guys to insure its survival. The story rings (and is) true, but laid out in great moves and conversations created by this gifted author. There are a few delightful 'capers'. I bet the Panamanian National Airline still wonders where its five newly donated planes went in 1948. Gerstl balances serious with fun in this great book. I got through it in a weekend in which I couldn't put it down. – July 2012

***** An Amazing But Mostly Unknown Story. Hugo Gerstl weaves a dramatic tale of three real-life characters using their brains and connections to cobble together a sufficiently powerful air force that enabled the developing nation of Israel to survive in a region of multiple enemies. Gerstl is an accomplished writer of historical novels, and like his others, this one paints a fascinating picture of the geography, politics and culture of the country. But it is the people that are the most intriguing. Schwimmer, Greenspun and Winters are true heroes, putting on the line their personal and professional lives in order to help the Jewish state take root and survive in a hostile environment. Their interconnections, and cameo appearances by Howard Hughes, David Ben-Gurion and others, make a fascinating read for those sympathetic to Israel and interested in a story not well known but crucial to this amazing country's survival. It's well worth reading. – September 2012

***** Great Novel. This is a great novel peppered with some historical facts from the early 20th century till the Iran contra affair. The author brings three of those (over 3000) who helped the young state of Israel to survive against a sea of arabs surrounding her and promising to push her to the sea. The story starts by describing the life of Jews in the USA in the early 20th century. This part reminds me the writing of I. Bashevis-Singer. Then bringing in another hero at the Howard Hughes company. The third is a non Jew owner of an import-export company. Slowly we learn how the life of these heroes intertwine during and after the second world war and how each contributes to supplying weapons and airplanes to the young country. – October 2012

** Misleading. Although I enjoyed this book immensely, this book is not completely true. If I were to guess I would say that it is 30% truth with 70% imagination. The reason I say this is that the author says -that although this story is anchored in fact most of it is based on his imagination- at the very end of the book. The characters are real as well as their exploits. The three heroes are Al Schwimmer, Hank Greenspun, and Charlie Winters, google them and you will understand why I call them heroes. I am sure there are other books that have their stories on a more factual basis. Just giving everyone a heads up. – January 2015

***** Masterful Narration. This riveting story combines the authority of a superb historian and the narrative grace of a great novelist to present a thrilling account of the embryonic building of the Israeli Air Force. Champion of the underdog, Hugo N. Gerstl tells a riveting story of three gallant and unheralded characters who struggled, triumphed, were discredited from grace, and ultimately rebounded into fascinating new directions. The tale was a richly insightful and suspense fueled evocation of the heroic. It describes the influence of an American trio whose true life stories and destinies were inextricably bound by the hair-raising events that pushed their limits in time and place and would ultimately contribute to the building of an Israeli Air Force. The book was remarkably researched, expertly crafted, forcefully rendered, and outrageously good. I can't recommend it highly enough. With masterful narration, Hugo N. Gerstl's book, kept my attention with very detailed and meaty writing. This says a lot. – September 2012

***** Impact of the Common Man. A great read that reminds us again how common men, motivated by ideals, often step up, get things done, and impact history for generations, while so-called Men of Destiny just wring their hands and dream. Think military "Moneyball", applied to the global balance of power. With an unabashed pro-Israel bias, and a lawyer's careful eye to the legal consequences of defiance against the federal government, Gerstl tells a riveting story of three lives that profoundly changed the Middle East, calling to mind the old Ben Franklin adage that one nation's patriot is another nation's traitor.A real page turner I found hard to put down. – November 2012

***** A Must Read. If you like reading James Michener and Gore Vidal, you will just love the writing of Hugo Gerstl! Without the pomposity of Vidal and the often long and painful segments contained in most Michener books, Gerstl's style seems to take the best from these two icons. Against All Odds qualifies as a "can't put down" book blending fiction with nonfiction, using wonderful character development while never wasting a word. I was so fascinated by the story and characters, that I researched the characters and storyline afterwards to determine what was fiction and what was nonfiction. – November 2013

**** A Gripping Story about how Israel Built its Air Force. This is a fascinating account of three Americans who worked secretly to defy American neutrality laws and supply Israel with planes and parts to build its fledgling Air force. Taking place between 1947 and the early '70's the story is filled with suspense. We watch them brave arrest as they use falsehoods and chicanery to get papers to set up a bogus airline. They smuggle in German Messerchmidts by painting out the swastikas and transporting weapons in a hijacked yacht. They start a small aircraft maintenance plant in Israel whish subsequently becomes a billion dollar industry. These events were a key part in Israel's emergence as a state, and until now, it has been largely untold. I thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining way Gerstl has brought it to light. A good read. – September 2012

***** Against All Odds. Hugo Gerstl couldn't have been more timely. Israel is at the center (like it or not for Israel) of the fires now sweeping through the Arab nations. See how Mr Gerstl's three main characters weave and deceive the rest of the world to allow the State of Israel a fighting chance with the origin of her Air Force, truly created from little more than air. Mr. Gerstl is very even-handed in his mix of fact and fiction so this is a pleasurable read and a jaw dropping learning experience at the same time. – November 2013

***** Real Heroes. The very first line in this book is reminiscent of Stephen King's first line in The Talisman. That's only the first line though. The rest of the book is the voice of Hugo Gerstl only. Yet there is a further comparison with King: Gerstl's mastery of storytelling. It's just amazing how he manages to draw the reader into the story. Gerstl hooks you and doesn't let go. But what makes Gerstl stand out from King, is his research. This is not only an adventure story, with heroes and their heroic acts, it also teaches you a thing or two about the world - in this case focussed on the origins of Israel - that is quite astounding and makes this unforgettable read. Bravo! – September 2012

***** Brilliant. Hugo Gerstl has done it again. He has created a fascinating account that is a mystery story, a rip-roaring adventure and a mind expanding historical novel. To say the author is clever misses the point - he is a genius at historical fiction. You will come away from this story amazed at the audacity of courage depicted in the writing, inspired by the commitment of the characters and thankful that an author can teach us about the beauty of the human spirit. – September 2012

***** Great Book. This is a great book. It is one which I would absolutely and strongly recommend to anyone looking for fascinating reading. – August 2012.

***** A fascinating account of history that needs to be read. I cannot believe how vivid the style of writing is. This author has a great way with words. He is an artist as he paints the story. Moreover, the story is both entertaining and seemingly real. What a great ideal for a movie! I recommend this book highly. – September 2012

***** A novel by one of the best. A riveting tale based on true-life stories that will have you entertained and educated to the historical events that led to the building of the Israeli Air Force. Another great read from Mr. Gerstl! – September 2012

**** A rousing read. This is a rattling good tale set against a background of the turbulent events of the 20th Century. This is a must read for those interested in the early beginnings of the Israeli air force. – September 2012

**** Great read. A thrilling adventure of daring, espionage and intrigue based on real events. Gripping from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book. – September 2012