Subjects: Germany

It is Not a Matter of Protocol but of Heart and Mind

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Begin delivers a speech at a mass meeting in Tel Aviv to protest the arrival of the first German Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Rolf Pauls. Throughout the speech he weaves together the history of Nazism, Dr. Pauls’ past connection with Nazism, and the loss of 6 million Jews. Begin expresses frustration that the tens of millions of Germans who supported Hitler are still residing in Germany and Dr. Pauls comes to Israel representing them. Begin shifts to speak about his disapproval of Levi Eshkol’s kind words to the German people. Begin also expresses his frustration regarding the German Chancellor’s words regarding Israel-Germany relations. Begin then acknowledges that not only members of Herut are present at the demonstration, and that this is a forum for all of Israel. He closes telling the audience to walk together in silence in memory of the Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

The People Will Decide if Mapai is Fit to Rule

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Begin addresses the Knesset and focuses on Israel-Germany relationship. He first accuses the majority of the Knesset of acting undemocratically by accepting the proposal to not oblige Germany to provide Israel with arms. He also speaks about his concern of German scientists in Egypt, and the relationship between Western Germany and Egypt. Then Begin strongly expresses frustration in Knesset members supporting diplomatic relations with Germany. The crux of his argument is “If we are given the alternative: The State of Israel without peace with the Arabs, or peace with the Arabs without the State of Israel, we would choose the State without peace. Experience has taught us that lack of peace is painful and an anxiety. Lack of a State is a catastrophe.” Begin concludes that the people will decide who will rule Israel, and that it is clear that Mapai is not fit for that position.

No Fraternisation with the Germans in Our Generation

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Begin discusses the effects of the Holocaust on German society and Germany’s relationship with Israel. He goes into particular depth about the current members of the German government who used to be members of the Nazi Party.

The Collapse of a Policy

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Begin once again laments the passivity of the Israeli government in the face of German scientists helping to develop missiles for Egypt.

The Reed of German Support has Collapsed

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Begin briefly discusses the absurdity of relying on Germany for arms as a last resort, particularly in the aftermath of the Holocaust and given that German scientists were helping Egypt to develop missiles.