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Irgun Head Scores Benadotte Plan

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An interview Begin gave to the New York Times in 1948 about the Bernadotte Plan. The British are still the greatest enemies of the young State of Israel. They are using the United Nations to enact their plan to partition Eretz Israel and leave the Jews in a ghetto. The British are also helping the invading Arab armies. Begin says that invasion cannot be rewarded in any part of the workd lest it be rewarded everywhere. The Arab countries have learned that they cannot defeat Israel militarily, for in modern warfare the Jews possess the advantage of will and brainpower that are more important than mere numbers. However, the Arab countries are beginning to take revenge on the Jews who live in them. The international community needs to set up a league to help these Jews. The Herut Party will use political means to fight against partition.

Statement on Arrival in New York

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A very brief statement by Begin upon arriving in New York. For the first time in thousands of years the Hebrews have a state in Eretz Israel, having driven out the oppressive British rule. The Etzel learned a lot from the American Revolution and its heroes. Begin has come to America on behalf of the Herut movement to explain the true goals of the movement as the War of Independence continues. He cannot stay longs, as he must return to Israel to take part in the elections for the Constitutional Assembly.

Ze’ev Jabotinsky

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To honor Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s death, Begin shares how Israel exists because of Jabotinsky’s philosophies. He first shares Jabotinsky’s clear aim for a free and noble State. Then Begin explains that although it now seems like an obvious and a simple aim, leaders such as Weizmann and Ben Gurion initially expressed opposition. Additionally, once again against other founding Zionists, Jabotinsky expressed the importance of warfare, sacrifice, and love for Israel. Begin then talks about after Jews suffered without weapons, Etzel arose. Begin shifts to talk about Jabotinsky’s remains still in exile. In the conclusion, Begin confirms that Jabotinsky’s efforts have been rewarded. He shares that Jabotinsky’s students have followed Jabotinsky’s dreams and doctrines. Jabotinsky is in the heart of the nation and lives in his students, and therefore, Jabotinsky is immortal.

Statement at a Press Conference 19.09.1948

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A press release by Begin as head of the Opposition party, Tenuat Haherut, after the assassination of a UN representative by radical Zionists in Jerusalem. Tenuat Haherut does not participate in the unelected government of the new state but still feels responsible for the well-being and future of the state and therefore must comment on recent events. Britain bears indirect responsibility for the assassination by discrediting the UN as an international organization. The Provisional Government of Israel also bears indirect responsibility for the assassination because it acts cowardly towards the world but tyrannical towards Jews within its borders, both of which are causing the rise of a new underground. Tenuat Haherut is against the killing and the rise of a new underground, and calls on all Jews in Israel to unite against their enemies and for the world to treat Israel justly.

Speech at a Public Meeting Held in Rishon le Zion

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A statement by Begin at a public meeting in Rishon LeZion in 1948. The state was not founded under idyllic conditions, and the Underground was forced to operate without outside help, even with slander from within Eretz Israel. Even after the State as founded the Jewish Agency was willing to support the Morrison plan, which would have turned the State into a ghetto. The Herut Movement’s fight prevented that calamity. The United Nations is serving the imperialist interests of the British, and the Arab Nations can fight with little cost to their economies while Israel’s fighting takes a great toll on its economy. At home the Mapai Party has all but seized the State for itself and identifies itself as the State. It has also implemented unnecessary Emergency Laws which are anti-democratic. The Herut Movement will not consent to be ruled by fascists.