Subjects: Justice

Neither Rest Nor Respit

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Due to recent disclosures about the Arlosoroff murder case, Begin reviews the incidents of July, 1933 and its’ aftermath. He goes into detail how he was notified about his friend’s, Haim Arlorsoroff, death and the accusations against Abraham Stavsky. He tells the story of his visit with Mrs. Stavsky to Ze’ev Jabotinsky and describes the feeling of “greatness” he experienced. Begin explains how Yehuda Azari, Chief of the Haganah Intelligence, who was involved in the Arlosoroff case, is responsible for the false accusations against Stavsky. Begin criticizes him and speculates why he remained silent for so many years while an innocent man, Stavsky, was being falsely accused. In order to erase any doubts of Stavsky’s innocence, Begin requests from Itzhak Gruenbaum, who once wrote an article in favor of “the inciters, the libelers, those who were after Stavsky’s blood”, to reveal the truth.

Be Brave of Spirit and Ready for Trials: We Shall Withstand Them

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In honor of Israel’s sixth year of independence, Begin speaks on Etzel’s secret radio. He first shares that the revolt in 1944-1948 was blessed, and it was the first Hebrew revolt since the Hasmonean revolt that ended in victory. In order to keep independence, Israel needs a total victory against its surrounding enemies. In addition to being victorious in the battlefield, Begin explains wise foreign policy and mass aliyah are necessary for maintaining independence. He shifts to speak about the necessity for justice to be the supreme ruler. He reminds the listeners that Etzel is not underground in the liberated parts of the Homeland. He also reminds them that there is still work to be done because the entire Homeland is not yet liberated. Before closing, he shares that the country is still in the midst of battles and that peace cannot be bought. In conclusion he shares that in upcoming battles, “the spirit of those who revived our nation” will accompany the Jewish nation.

The Broadcast That Stirred All Israel

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Prior to the arrival of Begin in South Africa, the Jewish Herald published Begin’s broadcast to Israel on the first night of Israel’s existence. In this broadcast, Begin first reflects on successful, yet difficult, Hebrew revolt. Begin mentions the importance for the Jewish army to have weapons and spiritual armor. He discusses the importance of diplomacy with all nations that will recognize Israel’s existence and specifically speaks about the U.S., Soviet Union, and France. He shifts to speak the necessity of encouraging aliyah. Additionally, justice should be a fundamental principle for the State. Begin announces that there is no longer a need for the Underground within the borders of the independent state. He then expresses that the nation is in the middle of a battle and that they will succeed. He concludes by praying for the Hebrew soldiers.

Ben Gurion the Totalitarian

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Begin analyzes two situations that recently happened in the country. The first event is when a former Judge Advocate of the Haganah, Dr. Gorali, faced trial on a charge for libeling the Attorney General and Legal Adviser to the Government, Moshe Shapira. Gorali accused Shapira of conducting the Be’eri trial improperly “for personal reasons”. Begin argues that this incident weakens the status of justice in Israel. The second situation is Ben-Gurion’s threat to a Communist Knesset member. The member had denounced the Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal because he spoke negatively about Russia to the Associated Press correspondent. Begin mentions that he disagrees with both the Knesset member’s actions and Ben-Gurion’s response that “this State also knows how to imprison and confine.” Begin identifies his response as a hint of totalitarianism. He concludes claiming that there is no need to fear his totalitarian threats because in actuality, Ben-Gurion does not hold much power.

Speech by Menachem Begin

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A speech Begin gave in New York on the first anniversary of the UN resolution to partition Palestine. The resolution was not a ‘gift’ from the nations of the world to the Jews, but the result of the revolt against the British forces in Palestine which forced the British to bring the issue to the UN. The resolution is not enough because it does not grant the Jews all of historical Israel, but it is important as international recognition of the right of the Jews to independence in their homeland. In the new state Begin and his followers will continue to fight for the ideals which they fought for in the underground, but now in the opposition. Without an opposition no country can truly be free. There will be peace, and then the fighters can lay down their arms. Begin ends by crediting Zeev Jabotinsky and his vision for their success and by thanking God for allowing them to live to see this day.