Archives: Articles

Israel’s German Sin

By

Begin addresses the relationship between Israel and Germany, as well as Germany’s relationship with Egypt. He first speaks of Israel taking Germany’s monetary bribe. Germans wanted to relieve themselves of guilt, so that only the National Socialists will remain guilty. Begin shares two examples of Germans in their “new” government, who played a major role in supporting the Nazis: Globke and Heusinger. He expresses frustration in the Government for not voicing their opposition towards Nazi-supporters being in Germany’s “new” government. Begin concludes with how Israel gives Germany Uzzis, uniforms, and teachers, and Germany has still not given Israel defensive weapons; Germany has, though, given Egypt German rocket scientists.

A Call to Free Men Everywhere: The ‘New Nazis’ Must be Stopped Now

By

In the Rosh Hashanah edition of The Jewish Herald, Begin argues that the world and Jews should take seriously the reemergence of Nazism happening throughout the world. Begin metaphorically relates the anti-Semitic attacks to a small spark in the woods that leads to a deadly disaster. He explains that the swastika vandalism should not be an internal problem for the specific countries; it should be an international concern. He shares some of the articles in the UN stance against genocide to show that the swastika vandalism needs international attention in order “to prevent the crime of genocide.” Furthermore, he says that the perpetrators of such crimes need to be seriously punished. He speaks about the limit of freedom of speech in regards to falsely yelling “Fire” in a crowded theatre. Similarly, it should be forbidden to yell “Burn them!” He concludes by calling upon all free people to unite and defend human dignity.

Herut’s Campaign Against an Absurd Law

By

Begin explains David Ben-Gurion’s Coalition Disciple Law which is a “new sub-section in the Transition Law which would regard a member of the Government as having resigned if his party in the Knesset voted against a Government motion.” Begin shares that a reason why the Herut Movement opposed this law is because it would make the Knesset responsible to the Government, instead of the reverse. Additionally, they argued that a Minister’s resignation would depend on Ben-Gurion’s mood. Begin shifts to discuss the important amendments Herut added to the law, and shares that parties who voted for the law no longer support it. Begin then argues that the reason for this law is to guarantee that Mapai will stay in power. He concludes that Mapai is fine with rights in theory, but not in practice.

Their Blood Has Not Been Avenged

By

Over a week after Adolf Eichmann’s execution, Begin writes about the lessons learned from his hanging. Begin starts by explaining the significance of Eichmann receiving death sentence and not life imprisonment. He shares that Eichmann’s execution is not out of vengeance, but to lessen the pain his victims still feel. Begin then reflects on the Jewish cowardice he witnessed during Eichmann’s capture, sentencing and execution. He argues that it is the Eichmann supporters who should now feel cowardice. He concludes by stating three lessons learned from this Eichmann saga, the last one being the importance of Jews bearing arms for self-defense.

I Refuse to Bow Before Authoritarianism

By

Begin shares the uproar that took place in the Knesset after it had voted a motion of no confidence in the Government. While referring to a specific battle involving Jerusalem in the War of Independence, Ben Gurion argues that members of the Irgun and Herut opposed this war and even called it a Tisha B’Av. To correct Ben Gurion’s parphrase, Begin then quotes what he said during a debate in the First Knesset on Jerusalem. He gives battle descriptions and explains why he used the term Tisha B’Av. Begin then directs a few paragraphs about Ben Gurion and Ben Gurion’s hatred towards Begin. Begin describes himself as respectful, and one who “despise[s] authoritarianism, self-adulation, presumptuousness of the heart and the distortion of the truth.” Begin concludes that he fought for liberty during the War of Independence, and it was Ben Gurion who did not.