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Jabotinsky Lives On

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Begin gives an address in Tel Aviv on the 25th anniversary of Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s death. To commemorate Jabotinsky, he speaks about Jabotinsky’s disciples, ideas, and characteristics. Begin shares that regardless of where Jabotinsky’s disciples were, they all mourned his death. Additionally, his disciples continued to learn and teach Jabotinsky’s teachings, which keeps Jabotinsky alive. Then Begin illuminates Jabotinsky’s ideas by providing examples of his dedication to the Jewish Homeland. Lastly, Begin speaks of three main characteristics Jabotinsky held: love of Israel, human dignity, and the splendor of his conduct. Begin concludes with reminiscing about the previous year when Jabotinsky’s remains were buried in Israel and that Jabotinsky will continue to live in generations to come.

He Set Us Upon the Path of Freedom

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Begin reflects on the greatness of Ze’ev Jabotinsky. He shares how Jabotinsky mastered and beautified Hebrew. Begin provides examples through history that led people to see Jabotinsky as a statesman and orator. Also, Jabotinsky understood the necessity for a Jewish State long before other Zionist leaders. Additionally, Begin mentions that Jabotinsky knew that for survival, there must be a Jewish Army. He concludes that the nation owes Jabotinsky gratitude for his successful vision of the State.

The Mapai We Knew for 30 Years is No More

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Begin writes about the splintering of Mapai into three, four, and even maybe five Mapais. He explains who each of these Mapais is and what each thinks of the other Mapais. Begin then puts to question the trustworthiness of leaders who express hatred towards former friends, colleagues, and comrades. Furthermore, he brings up what it could mean about the historical opposition to these leaders. Then Begin shares that there are two principal Mapais, which he calls Alef and Bet and are led respectively by Levi Eshkol and David Ben Gurion. He explains what each bloc wants regarding the election process. Begin shifts to speak about Mapai’s attempts in excluding Herut from Histadrut elections and the justice system being on Herut’s side. In his conclusion, Begin explains that Herut-Liberal bloc will attack the Mapai blocs simultaneously in hopes to change the leadership of the State.

The People Will Decide if Mapai is Fit to Rule

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Begin addresses the Knesset and focuses on Israel-Germany relationship. He first accuses the majority of the Knesset of acting undemocratically by accepting the proposal to not oblige Germany to provide Israel with arms. He also speaks about his concern of German scientists in Egypt, and the relationship between Western Germany and Egypt. Then Begin strongly expresses frustration in Knesset members supporting diplomatic relations with Germany. The crux of his argument is “If we are given the alternative: The State of Israel without peace with the Arabs, or peace with the Arabs without the State of Israel, we would choose the State without peace. Experience has taught us that lack of peace is painful and an anxiety. Lack of a State is a catastrophe.” Begin concludes that the people will decide who will rule Israel, and that it is clear that Mapai is not fit for that position.

Bourguiba’s ‘Peaceplan’ is Aimed to Liquidate Israel

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Begin first shares both Nasser’s and Habib Bourguiba’s strategies for destroying Israel. Nasser’s plan is with rocket missiles and Bourguiba’s plan is through a disguised “peaceplan.” , Begin explains that Bourguiba takes an anti-war stance because he does not think Arabs are strong enough to win a war against Israel, therefore, his strategy is to make Israel vulnerable in stages. Begin shares that Nasser strongly opposed Bourguiba’s “peaceplan.” Additionally, Nasser protested against the proposal for improved relations between Israel and Germany. Then Begin argues that the Government is dangerously partaking in “automatic thinking” in which if Nasser, an enemy of Israel, disagrees with something, then it must be good for Israel. Begin argues that the Government’s thought process is especially hazardous because the world is listening to Israel’s reactions. He concludes that Israel is enslaved mentally, and the country must redeem itself.