Subjects: Discrimination Against Jews from Arab Countries

President of Us All

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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.

Begin on future of Herut Party

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A speech by Begin to a Betar conference in South Africa in 1953. Begin is proud of the delegates to the conference for their allegiance and dedication. He says that Herut must not give up on the goal of a constitution for Israel, even if the idea is unpopular, because it is a necessity. Begin rejects the usage of the terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ as applied to political parties, as they were developed arbitrarily. He argues that Herut will defend the middle class from Mapai’s attempts to destroy it. Herut must be a party for all Jews in Israel. Herut supports the supremacy of the law and the independence of the judiciary. Herut is against the concept of civil marriages because it would lead to two different societies in Israel. The road for Betar and Herut may be long and hard, but their members should remember that Jabotinsky did not live to see the creation of the State of Israel either. They may yet achieve their goals despite their hardships.

If Menachem Begin Were Prime Minister of Israel

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Begin was asked by the Israeli newspaper “Yediot Acharonot” what he would do if he became Prime Minister. Begin first responds saying that he would create a Government that does not have Mapai domination. He then mentions the actions he would take regarding foreign policy and the education system. Begin strongly states that he would end direct contact with Germany. He also would work hard to fight discrimination and to protect the State’s laws with the State’s Constitution. He concludes by going into detail about strengthening the economy.