President of Us All

Begin shares his long-time perspective about the importance and respect the President of Israel deserves. For example, when Chaim Weizmann became the first President, although he and Begin had many disagreements, Begin explains that Weizmann was no longer an opponent, but "President of our State." Begin differentiates between respect one should give to the President and Prime Minister. Begin also comments that Ze'ev Jabotinsky should have been President. Gahal believes and proposed to the Knesset that the President should have more authority, instead of being just a symbol of the country. Also, Begin touches upon the importance of discontinuing the usage of words such as "Sephardi" and "Ashkenazi." He concludes, though, reemphasizing his original point that regardless of who the President will be, he will be the President for all of Israel.