Subjects: Greater Land of Israel

We Should Hold the Parade in Jerusalem

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Begin argues against Levi Eshkol’s decision for not having an army parade on Israel’s Independence Day in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. Begin says that one of the Eshkol’s reasons is because in the past, the parades in Jerusalem were insignificant, which did not raise morale of the army or Jerusalemites. Begin accuses the Government of simply unwilling to organize a powerful parade in Jerusalem. Another reason of Eshkol’s for not having an army parade in Jerusalem is because it would breach the Armistice Agreement with Jordan. It is extremely troubling to Begin that Eshkol even mentions Israel’s capabilities to break the Agreement because Jordan has already broken the Agreement. Begin goes even further to say that all of the Armistice Agreements have been broken by the Arab nations. In the conclusion, Begin writes that because of Eshkol’s mistakes, the Israeli public will either think that if the parade is in Jerusalem, it will be lacking morale or breaching the Agreement.

Two Urgent Matters

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Begin discusses the decision to surrender the Beit Safafa neighborhood to the Jordanians and the mistreatment of the Bnei Israel community by the chief rabbinate.

A Moral Lesson

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Begin speaks about David Ben-Gurion’s tactics for elections to the Sixth Knesset. Ben-Gurion attempts to boost himself through the status of former Chiefs of Staff. Begin argues that these Chiefs of Staff are not so credible. He reflects on Etzel cooperating with the Haganah, and specifically references to Latrun and how Ben-Gurion lied about the lack of efforts of Etzel soldiers. Begin shifts to speak about Ben-Gurion offending former Chiefs of Staff, and concludes that those people can finally feel some of Begin’s and for Etzel members’ pain.

I Refuse to Bow Before Authoritarianism

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Begin shares the uproar that took place in the Knesset after it had voted a motion of no confidence in the Government. While referring to a specific battle involving Jerusalem in the War of Independence, Ben Gurion argues that members of the Irgun and Herut opposed this war and even called it a Tisha B’Av. To correct Ben Gurion’s parphrase, Begin then quotes what he said during a debate in the First Knesset on Jerusalem. He gives battle descriptions and explains why he used the term Tisha B’Av. Begin then directs a few paragraphs about Ben Gurion and Ben Gurion’s hatred towards Begin. Begin describes himself as respectful, and one who “despise[s] authoritarianism, self-adulation, presumptuousness of the heart and the distortion of the truth.” Begin concludes that he fought for liberty during the War of Independence, and it was Ben Gurion who did not.

Honour, Liberty, Security

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In his Rosh Hashanah message, Begin writes that it is crucial for Israel to fight so the nation can live with honor. He first describes how the world is divided in multiple political spheres and identifies that Herut believes Israel must aspire to be in the Sphere of Freedom. He then argues that the Government must reject mediation by the U.S. between Israel and its neighboring countries because it will not end in Israel’s favor. Then Begin speaks about Nasser’s hopes for Israel’s destruction. Begin shifts to share his disagreement of a statement made by a Cabinet member, in which the Cabinet member argues that Israel might become a second Warsaw ghetto if Ben Gurion is not in charge. Begin concludes that the country belongs to its citizenry and that they do not have to fear for what the future will hold.