Subjects: Army

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.

The Truth About the Altalena

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This article is a verbatim report of the address given by Menachem Begin over the broadcasting station, “The Voice of Freedom,” on Tuesday, June 22nd. He speaks about the details of the “Altalena,” the ship which was organized to bring an abundance of military supply to Israel. He takes his listeners on a journey of “Altalena” from describing the dedication and passion these young men and women invested into this project, to the difficulties it confronted by the government, to the tragic burning of the ship.

The Flag of Israel Will Yet Fly On Both Sides of the Jordan

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In this broadcast, Begin expresses that it was difficult to establish the State and will be even more work to maintain its existence. Therefore, because of Israel’s enemies, it is crucial to have a stronger army. He speaks about key foreign and national policies. He shares that Etzel will only remain underground in the Land of Israel that has yet to be liberated. He concludes that Israel is in the heat of battle and that she must not retreat.

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.