Subjects: Linguistics

A Victory for Humanity

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Begin writes a message to celebrate Israel’s 30th anniversary of independence. He first mentions the hardships Jews faced during their nearly 2,000 years of exile. He specifically references to the Holocaust and the sacrifices Jews made for Israel’s existence. Then he speaks about Israel’s history—the wars, the cultivation of land, the ingathering of Jewish exiles, and the unification of Jerusalem. He talks about how Israel still has not experienced a day of peace, and that the peace efforts with neighboring countries will continue. Begin then shifts and mentions the Jews from Europe and Soviet Union who returned to Judaism. Furthermore, he believes that the continuity of the campaign for their right to return to the Jewish homeland. Begin then gives thanks to Israel’s fallen heroes. He lastly states that people from every nation shall rejoice for “Israel’s rebirth is, indeed, a victory of humanity.”

What Begin Told Sadat

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Begin delivers a speech in response to Anwar Sadat’s address to the Knesset. He starts off briefly reflecting on past events to show that Israel has been dedicated to making peace with its neighbors since declaring independence. Then Begin shifts to agree that a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt should not put a wedge between Arab nations because Israel also wants peace with its other neighbors. He hopes that there will no longer be wars between Egypt and Israel and if there are disagreements between the countries, ambassadors will handle it. He shifts to expressing disagreement with Sadat’s statement that Israel took a foreign country. Then he talks about the importance of conducting negotiations respectfully so that there will eventually be a reached consent and thus, a signed peace treaty. Begin includes that he is open to negotiations with neighboring Arab countries and closes by quoting both the Bible and Koran.

Begin Issues Call to World Jewry

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In Begin’s Rosh Hashanah message, he focuses on four topics. He first talks about wanting aliyah to increase from both Jews living in democracies and living under communism. He specifically encourages youth to come and build up the land. Then he talks about the part of the country affected by poverty. Begin asks for Diaspora Jews to help fellow brethren who live in insufferable housing conditions. He reminds his readers that liberty and social justice are Jewish values. He shifts to talk about the importance of Hebrew being the second spoken language by Diaspora Jews. Having Hebrew as a second language will prevent the youth from being completed assimilated and leaving behind their Jewish heritage. Lastly, he talks about Jews unifying to support Israel’s security. He closes by praying that this year will bring peace to all people and Israel.

Important Day

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In his opening remarks at a White House ceremony, Begin focuses on democracy, future for peace, and the strong relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Begin mentions the successful liberation of Zion, as well as the gruesome Holocaust. Because of Jewish history, Begin says that he badly wants peace because “peace is inseparable from national security.” He continues to say that national security directly relates to the life every person in Israel. Begin shifts to talk about the shrinking of democracy in the world and that it is crucial for free people to unite. He appreciates Jimmy Carter’s kind words about him and the Israeli Government, specifically referencing to Vietnamese refugees. Begin immediately compares the Vietnamese refugees to Jews who were unsuccessful in seeking refuge during the Holocaust. Lastly, in addition to inviting Carter to Jerusalem, he says that the U.S. and Israel ” shall never disagree; we may only agree to differ.”

A Hasty Word Can Shake the World

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Begin mainly talks about foreign perspectives on Jewry and Israel. He provides examples of comments made by Helmut Sonnenfled, Jimmy Carter, and Bruno Kreisky. Begin then shares that there are Jews who believe that Sadat wants peace and is moderate. Begin goes into detail explaining that Sadat encourages a plan that would destroy Israel. Sadat believes Israel should retreat to the 1967 borders and that Palestinians still deserve their rights. This would lead to the destruction of Israel and with Arafat ruling over the land. Then Begin talks about how the word “dissident” has been used to describe both Zion haters and lovers. Lastly, he mentions Yitzchak Rabin’s statement that there are a group of Israelis wanting to harm the Israel- U.S. relationship, to which Begin argues subsequently harms Israel.