Subjects: Army

A Friendly Warning to Mr. Dulles

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Begin compares and contrasts the America-Guatemala-Czech triangle to the Israel-Arab-American triangle. He first speaks about America’s active defense against Guatemala’s relationship with Czechoslovakia. When speaking about political asylum for a Guatemalan politician, he also shares that “Jewish opinion, both here and overseas, will not be able to remain indifferent if evil befalls [on] one of our people’s best friends.” Begin then speaks about the America-Guatemala-Czech and the Israel-Arab-American triangles in regards to weaponry, population differences, and possibility of attack. Begin speaks about communism verses capitalism. He shares that “Disraeli once said that nations are ruled either by force or by tradition.” His final point focuses on America’s role as a leader for the free world and that it is problematic for America to guide by force.

The Lion Cub Of Judah Has Arisen

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Begin speaks at the unveiling of Dov Gruner’s memorial in Ramat Gan. He reflects on Etzel’s purpose and the determined Etzel soldiers. He then reminds the audience that Etzel soldiers were not the first dissidents in Jewish history. Begin also explains that a key difference between Israel and other nations is that unlike other nations in war, Israel did not have any allies. This meant that Israel’s only weapons were weapons conquered from its enemy. Begin shifts to speak of the battle in which Gruner was captured and then shares the powerful words spoken to British judges by Gruner, Avshalom Habib, and Ya’acov Weiss. With Gruner’s and other soldiers’ dedication, Begin proudly announced that the nearby British fortress is guarded by Hebrew policemen. Begin then speaks about the significance of the memorial for Gruner being the Lion Cub of Judah. He concludes stating that the spirit of freedom and faith in justice will continue to exist in the Jewish nation forever.

A Prayer–And A Call To Duty

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After accepting the title of being the commander of Betar, Begin addresses the world Betar conference. Begin speaks about the first Rosh Betar, Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Then he speaks about the first members of Betar—their passion led to the successful revolt in liberating the Homeland. Begin shifts from the past to speak in deep sorrow about the present-day situation. He argues that what is or isn’t done in the present will affect the future. Then he speaks about the lack of immigration and poor education that is given to the youth. Begin explains that the youth are being taught that “any effort to regain the soil of its ancestors is ‘treif'”. He also argues against the claim that the army is where youth learn to fight and receive education. Begin shares that the army depends on the character of the youth prior to their army service. Begin concludes that Betar has a duty to properly educate the youth, because the future of the country depends on them.

The Only Way to Obtain Peace

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In an interview with a correspondent from the news-magazine “Ha-olam Ha-ze,” Begin explains that there is currently a guerilla war being conducted by Israel’s enemies and Begin says it is crucial to think about how to end this war. The conversation shifts to talk about an ‘opportune moment.’ He provides examples of these moments, a current one being Arabs not feeling strong enough to attack Israel in a general war. By using force at this point in time, it will stop the guerilla war and end the conversation about destroying Israel. However, the Government will not act in this ‘opportune moment.’ Begin later explains that it is problematic that Israel has no allies. It is also discussed how other countries would respond to Israel partaking in military action. If military action took place and Israel gained land West of Israel (Transjordan), Begin explains that this would bring peace. He argues that real peace does not mean a peace treaty, but means a stoppage of bloodshed.

Britain Would Not Go to War if Israel Occupied All Western Palestine

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This article contains extracts from Begin’s fighting speech in Tel Aviv with an audience of half a million people. He comments on the statement Moshe Sharett made, which was: ”We, the Government cannot undertake to ensure that no Jews will be killed in Israel.'” He also speaks about the mistake for the Government not taking action while Egypt was distracted with internal conflict. Then Begin speaks about Sharett’s attempts to avoid Herut’s critical evaluation of the Government’s actions. Sharett specifically uses the word ‘adventure,’ and therefore, Begin uses that word to speak about Jewish history. He says, “There is adventure of devotion, of redemption, of Holy belief, and there is adventure of denial, of irresponsibility, of treachery, of surrender, of slavery.” Begin argues that this first definition of adventure applies to Etzel’s actions, while the second definition applies to the current Government.