Subjects: Linguistics

He Taught Israel to be Free

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Begin focuses on Jabotinsky’s crucial role in creating the Jewish State. He specifically explains how Jabotinsky strengthened the concept of the Hebrew revolt. First, Jabotinsky realized and argued for liquidation of the Diaspora. Then he was passionate about the importance of both spiritual and physical return to the Jewish Homeland. Lastly, Jabotinsky believed in the necessity for a Hebrew army, the Haganah. Begin explains throughout each of these points, Jabotinsky was alone, “surrounded and assaulted from all sides.” Begin concludes with arguing that Jabotinsky changed the way future Jewish generations will talk about Jewish history.

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.

Speech at Knesset 9.11.49

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A speech Begin gave at the Knesset in 1949. The Government has been acting very undemocratically in preventing discussion on the writing of a constitution for the new State of Israel. The budget and the deficit of the new State are enormous, putting the economy at risk. Unfortunately there is little concrete investment in Israel and the charity of the Diaspora Jewish communities is not enough. Herut warned of the need to rescue the Jews in Arab countries from anti-Jewish violence and was ignored, and now that the government is finally responding to the problem it may be too late. The Arabs and other nations are making territorial claims against Israel, and Israel should make territorial claims in response, for all of Eretz Israel should be part of Israel by right. The government should resign in light of the above offences and mistakes. The Herut proposes a law for Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel.

The Flag of Israel Will Yet Fly On Both Sides of the Jordan

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In this broadcast, Begin expresses that it was difficult to establish the State and will be even more work to maintain its existence. Therefore, because of Israel’s enemies, it is crucial to have a stronger army. He speaks about key foreign and national policies. He shares that Etzel will only remain underground in the Land of Israel that has yet to be liberated. He concludes that Israel is in the heat of battle and that she must not retreat.

Letter to Friends

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A short, handwritten letter thanking friends for being faithful during trying times and providing moral strength to the Etzel. Better times lie ahead.