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In the Mirror of the Year

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In his Rosh Hashanah greeting, Begin reflects on key events that happened during the past year, mainly focusing on the weakening relationship between the U.S. and Israel. He first acknowledges the change in leadership in the U.S. and then explains through examples the new U.S. Government’s positions towards Israel. The first example Begin mentions is how American newspapers speak about Israel. Then he talks about John Foster Dulles, the new Secretary of State, and his relationship with both Moshe Sharett and Egyptian General Naguib. Begin shifts to speak about the Prague trial and 9 doctors put on trial in Moscow. Begin explains how the death of Stalin affected the relationship between Israel and the Soviet Union. He closes with sharing mistakes his colleagues have made, and how these mistakes impaired Israel’s relationship with Soviet Union and the U.S.

The Flag of Israel Will Yet Fly From the Tower of David….We Shall Yet Meet on the Road to Jerusalem

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On the eve of fifth anniversary of Israel’s Independence, Begin addresses a parade of former Etzel members. He reminisces about the success in gaining freedom from Britain. This freedom was acquired by Etzel’s blood and suffering. Then Begin shifts to describe the battle of Jaffa, which took place after the British left. After his description, he raises the questions of who drove out the British and conquered Jaffa. He argues that if the nation believes it was the Haganah, he says to to Etzel soldiers that “[we] will bow our heads before them and acknowledge: ‘You expelled the British, you ended the foreign regime, you brought the nation from subjugation to freedom.'” However, if it is the other way around, Haganah members should praise Etzel members. Begin praises the soldiers at the parade and identifies them as disciples of Ze’ev Jabotinsky. He closes sharing hopes that Etzel will continue to fight to unite the Homeland.

Ben Gurion & Sharet- 2 Men Who Have Failed

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Begin provides examples of actions done by David Ben Gurion and Moshe Sharett that could lead to countries having difficulty trusting and respecting Israel. Begin focuses on Sharett’s address in Eilat where Sharett discusses the breach in relations between Israel and Russia. Sharett criticizes Soviet Russia for its tactical reasons for supporting Israel, and then mentions that Israel lost nothing from the breach. Begin concludes that the specific consequence of Sharett’s statements is that the USA now must show some support to the Arabs. This could lead to Israel receiving pressure to agree to allowing the return of 100,000 Arabs, major reparations, and shifting the borders.

We Shall Remain

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Begin speaks in front of the Knesset when Russian severance of diplomatic relations with Israel was debated. Begin first mentions that it is crucial for Israel to maintain diplomatic relations with all nations, except for Germany. Begin shifts, though, to emphasize that Israel won the War of Independence not by charity from other nations, but by the blood and suffering of Jews. He speaks of the threats Israel receives from other countries. He brings up Mordechai Oren’s trial and mentions that the foundation of the nation of Israel’s existence is the struggle for justice. Begin then argues that the Government and certain Knesset members are destroying national pride and political sovereignty. One specific example is having foreign relations with Germany. He concludes sharing that he does not have confidence in the Government.

After Stalin’s Death

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This article is a translation of the final chapter in Begin’s book, “White Nights.” In the English translation of the book, this chapter can be found on pages 234-239. In this chapter, he focuses on comparing and contrasting the Soviet Union’s leaders Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. He explains the rivalry between the secret police, the Red Army, the Communist Party, and the Professional Unions. Begin concludes that after Stalin’s death, there will be conflict in Russia and it could lead to an atomic holocaust.