Source: Personal Archive

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.

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.

Irgun Commander in Stirring Appeal to America

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An appeal to Americans in the “Irgun Press” for aid shortly before the declaring of the State of Israel. The Jews of Eretz Israel can still defeat their opponents, though the hour of reckoning is fast approaching. If they fail they will die. In Eretz Israel one man must do the work of many. When the fighters of Eretz Israel are doing so much it is not right that in America people should be going about their business as usual. The fighting Jews of Eretz Israel need arms and money. They need $1,000,000. If the money does not come soon it will be not only too late but worthless. Time is of the essense.

Israel Has Risen

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A call to all Israelis, especially the Israeli youth, at the occasion of the founding of the State. The rule of the British in Palestine is over and the State of Israel has risen in its place. It could not come about without trials of blood, sweat, and tears. Even before the institutions for the State have been set up it has come under attack. To fight this threat Israel needs weapons, spirit, and brains. Israel will need to pursue a foreign policy of reciprocity and friendship with all nations that recognize it. Inside Israel all must enjoy freedom and security, even non-Jews. Now that there is a Jewish State there is no need for an underground any longer. However, if the government becomes tyrannical a new underground may arise. The Hebrew youth have fought heroically with the spirit of the ancient and modern Jewish heroes like the Maccabees and Joseph Trumpeldor. They will go forth to victory, ensuring that the entire Jewish homeland is free.