Subjects: Greater Land of Israel

New Year Message from Menachem Begin

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Begin sent a New Year greetings to the Jabotinisky Movement. In this greeting he first discusses Herut’s achievements during the past year. First, he mentions how because of Herut, the Government relocated to Jerusalem and it did not allow 100,000 Arabs into Israel. Additionally, Begin mentions that Herut stands firm on wanting to control the entire Homeland. Begin shifts to talk about Herut’s successful settlement building. He concludes saying that the country realizes Mapai’s inability to lead, and thus, it will soon be Herut’s turn to lead Israel.

Menachem Begin’s Report

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Begin speaks at Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s annual Yahrzeit ceremony in New York. He first mentions that earth was brought from the graves of Theodor Herzl, Joseph Trumpeldor, Sarah Aronson, and the graves of Jabotinsky’s students who served in the Underground. Begin mentions the different Israeli cities where those people are buried. Begin then apologizes that the earth from David Raziel’s grave could not be brought. He continues to say that he also could not bring earth from brethren who were massacred. Begin shifts to share that Jabotinisky taught to love and fight for the nation of Israel. Additionally, Jabotinsky taught to liberate the Homeland in its entirety, which Begin mentions has yet to be fulfilled. Once that is complete, Begin says that Jabotinsky’s wish to be buried in the Homeland will be fulfilled. Begin concludes with comparing Jabotinsky as the father and teacher, and himself as a son and student.

A Free People–Or a Police State

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Begin speaks to the Knesset, expressing concern that the Government has not proceeded to formulate a constitution for Israel. He starts with an example to show that without a constitution, the Government can follow laws from the British Mandate. Then Begin explains that currently Israelis do not have privacy, and that their right to privacy will be secure only with a constitution. Additionally, Begin explains that, currently, one is discriminated against if that person is not aligned with Mapai’s views. The mistrust the Government has for its citizens will lead Israel to become a police State. To prevent this, a constitution is necessary. Begin identifies that the people opposing a constitution, also were the people willing to give up part of Eretz Israel. Begin concludes with two options to move forward: the Government begins drafting a constitution, or the Government arranges a plebiscite.

What Peace With Abdullah Means

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In this translation of a speech given by Menachem Begin in the Knesset on January 2nd, 1950, Begin criticizes Mr. Sharett for his positions on Israel’s foreign affairs. He criticizes Sharett for wanting to make a peace treaty with King Abdullah. According to Begin, making peace with Abdullah means turning “the wheel of history backwards,” by bringing British power back into the state of Israel. It would also mean recognition that Abdullah is justified in occupying certain areas of Israel that he has occupied, including the Old City of Jerusalem. Begin also expands on the fact that Sharett and his colleagues are responsible for the alienation of Israel and for no longer having aid from the other Powers such as Russia, America, and France. Begin encourages his listeners to proclaim Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and states that whether people are for or against it, there is no change in his agenda.

Beigin Sums Up

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Begin addresses the Knesset focusing on topics important for the future of Israel. Begin first emphasizes the importance for the State to have a constitution. Begin then talks about the condition of Israel’s economy. He specifically talks about the fault of Ben-Gurion depending on Diaspora funds and private capital. Additionally, Begin mentions how the change in currency does not financially benefit Israel; it is simply following England’s lead. Then Begin discusses the issues of unemployment and standard of living. He mentions how the nation is starving, which directly affects labor productivity, which leads to lack of housing for immigrants. Begin touches upon Jews endangered in Arab countries and how Ben-Gurion is not taking any action to protect them. Lastly, Begin goes into detail about the importance of Jerusalem being undivided and the capital for Israel and provides a draft law for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.