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By Our Present Stand We Assure Israel a Future and Peace

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The interview with Begin focuses on his political perspectives and experiences. The introduction positively describes Begin and emphasizes how people think he has changed. The first question asked is about the relationship between Etzel agreeing to work with the Haganah, and Gahal agreeing to a Government of National Unity. Begin explains the differences between both situations. However, the main similarity is the purpose: Salvation of the nation. Begin then discusses his experiences while being in “Opposition.” He talks about the importance in stating that it is a historic right for Judea and Samaria to be part of Israel, however, he emphasizes that he will not initiate war. He spends time defining political terms such as “left,” “right,” “socialists,” and “progressives.” He identifies some of these groups as anti-Israeli and therefore, also anti-Semitic. The interview ends with Begin sharing his beliefs about peace. He is confident that peace will someday come.

My Hopes for Israel’s Next Decade

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Begin shares four visions he has for Israel in the upcoming decade. He first says he would like to see peace because he does not want to see more Jewish bloodshed. He mentions how the Jewish nation would consist of about 200 million people, if it were not for the persecution each generation has endured. The second hope is to see the land in Israel flourishing, with a self-sufficient economy. Having a flourishing country leads to his third hope of increased immigration. He envisions a wave of mass immigration by Russian Jews. He also wants to see immigration amongst Jews from countries where Jews have fled to as a result of poverty, oppression, persecution and pogrom. He mentions that this will be more difficult to achieve. One way he thinks this can be achieved is through Jewish students coming to study at Israeli universities. His fourth hope is for the continuation of democracy, where there is both unity and disagreements.

No Return to Armistice Lines

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At a conference for Jewish Diaspora leaders, Begin expresses the importance of Israel to maintain the land gained from the Six-Day War, and not retreat. He first shares what Nasser, Atassi, Aref, and Hussein said about Israel prior to the Six-Day War. He connects their aggression to that of Germans. He then explains that according to international law, there are two phases after a defensive war is won. The first phase is prior to a peace treaty and the second phase is the negotiation period, which concludes with a peace agreement. He provides examples of peace treaties that occurred after the first and second world wars to show that the aggressors always lose territory. Regarding concern for lack of a Jewish majority in the Homeland and diplomacy, Begin says that they must not be afraid. He speaks about El Fatah and argues that they use methods of genocide. He uses Jewish text to reiterate that the Land of Israel is the land of Jewish ancestors and forefathers.

T.V. Interview with Mr. Eban, Mr. Begin, etc.

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A television interview Begin gave in 1969 about then-current events. When asked about the Arabs’ claims of being in Palestine for 2000 years he counters with the Arabs coming from Arabia and Mohamed only being born 1400 years ago. He also recounts the Jews’ various expulsions and returns to Israel. He insists that Judea and Samaria are nor ‘occupied’ but ‘liberated.’ He talks about how the non-Jews won’t listen because the Jews supposedly killed Jesus even though it was the Romans who did it and their hatred defies logic. He lashes out at De Gaulle for being an untrustworthy ally. He insists that Iraqi Jews cannot be spies.

We Have Served Our People Well

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Begin sends a message to the delegates at Johannesburg’s National Conference of the Zionist Revisionist Organization. In this message Begin acknowledges the victories the disciples of Ze’ev Jabotinsky have fought for, despite the harsh opposition. He says that there is still a struggle for the Jewish Homeland, and that they must continue to devote their lives for serving the cause. He concludes that their generation has seen great suffering and that before they leave, they must make sure Israel is safe and secure.