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An Open Letter to Brezhnev

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Begin writes an open letter to Leonid Brezhnev, the first secretary of the Communist Party in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In this letter, Begin writes about his and the Jewish people’s relationship with Russia throughout the years. Ultimately, he explains that the purpose of his open letter is to discuss a false report the journalists’ union posted about Deir Yassin. He is frustrated that the Etzel is portrayed as a gang, when it was really a liberation organization. Begin argues that the Soviet Union is changing facts so that “white has become black and black has become white.” He points out that leaders during the time of Etzel believed that a Jewish State should exist. He briefly mentions his disgust towards the verdicts of the Leningrad trials and in his conclusion says that Russian justice is actually unjust.

The Israel Govt. Has Broken Faith with the Knesset

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Begin discusses the Government going against the Knesset’s decision in regards to retreating from the Suez Canal. Begin explains how the Government told the Government of the United States, in writing and verbally, that Israeli troops would retreat from the Suez Canal if the Canal was reopened to international shipping. Since the Government made pledges to maintain the decisions of the Knesset, Begin claims that the Government’s current actions are a breach to the basic law of the State. Begin then reflects on past situations and how he is in disbelief that after all this, the Government still considers withdrawing without a peace treaty. Begin remarks at the end that if Israel is not making good decisions, then there is no reason for the United States to make decisions considerate of Israel’s security.

Begin – Rogers Clash Over U.S. Peace Plan

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This article summarizes and quotes Begin’s address to the Knesset, with William Rogers present, arguing against the Roger’s Plan. He argues that 97% of the Knesset rejects the Roger’s plan because it would allow for Israeli cities to be vulnerable to Arab shelling. Begin argues that the plan gives Arabs everything. He also reminds Rogers that Israel is the only obstacle preventing a Russian invasion into the region. The article concludes by quoting Begin from the Israel Radio, in which Begin said that Israel is still far from peace, and the U.S. supporting the Roger’s Plan does not help.

The Great U.S. Moral Crisis is Affecting Israel

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Begin focuses on the United States Supreme Court and American opinions regarding the Mai-Lai massacres. Ultimately, he makes the point that for Israel, it is important that the U.S. is stable. He starts off by talking about U.S. Supreme Court judges accusing each other of acquitting the guilty. Then he describes the William Calley’s case about Calley killing civilians and the Mai-Lai massacre. He talks about how Americans are coping with this information. There is a comparison made by a commentator between this crisis and the Dreyfus trial. American students, among other citizens, are losing confidence in the president because of the amount of time the U.S. has been at war. Then he shifts to talking about America’s Middle East policy. He claims that the U.S. shifts between two contradicting policies, one that favors Israel’s enemies and one that supports Israel. Lastly, Begin explains that the current crisis in America is encouraging American Jews to strongly support Israel.

We Bow Our Heads to You

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Begin expresses his praise towards Jews living in Communist Russia. He says: “without the slightest exaggeration that in our day they are the bravest of all of those fighting for human freedom and dignity.” He describes that returning to Judaism, learning Hebrew, and having the dream to return to Zion keep their souls safe from communists. Furthermore, he says that Jewry’s moral hegemony belongs to Russian Jewry. Begin mentions the torture inflicted by the Communists and that bravery is infective. He also mentions that fear is infective and reflects on Jewish fear during the Holocaust. He claims that this fear no longer exists. With perseverance, Russia eventually will have to permit Russian Jews to immigrate to Israel.