New Beginnings in an Ancient Land

I started drinking seriously during the war of liberation of Israel in the late nineteen-forties. My unit was stationed next to one of the most popular bars in the city. We were forbidden to leave the base for many days at a time. The city was under siege, food was scarce, but the British had left the city well provided with alcohol. Here I was with time on my hands, little to eat, and lots of booze. I drank in a big way. It didn't take long for me to find myself in a situation where I was unable to function without a drink.