Subjects: Linguistics

Israel Must Rid Itself of the Jarring Debacle

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Begin focuses on the actions of the Israeli Government, which caused Gahal to leave the Government. In regard to Rogers initiative, the Government at first rejected it, and then later accepted it. Begin mentions that the U.S. State Department ignored the Government’s amendments and claimed that Israel had accepted the original Rogers initiative. This original led to Resolution 242. Even though the Israeli Government had previously rejected some of the notions in the Rogers initiative, they paradoxically made the decision to work towards accomplishing this resolution. Begin explains that Gahal could not be part of a Government that accepted such initiative because it completely went against both Gahal’s platform for “no partition” and the accepted Government policy of peace treaties being achieved through direct negotiations. In the conclusion, Begin focuses on the danger Israel faces from its neighbors as a result of the Government accepting the Rogers initiative.

Our Right and Security

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Begin discusses the importance of keeping the land Israel gained in the Six-Day War. Begin explains the difference between negative and positive zealotry. He argues that Gahal has positive zealotry, and says that such zealotry helped establish Israel and encourage love for the Jewish Nation and its Motherland. Begin then talks about the importance of protecting the Motherland. He argues that the idea to agree to go back to the green line will threaten Israel because of the Ketyusha rockets, amongst other weapons Israel’s enemies have. Begin quotes statements made my individuals and international documents to prove that since Israel acted out of self-defense during the Six-Day War, it has a right to remain in the land gained. He states that Israel’s Government’s illusion of peace will result in bloodshed. He concludes by describing Judaea’s loss of Jerusalem and how two generations later, they fought back and returned to the land.

Make Conversion Easier

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Begin speaks to the Knesset about Jewish and other nationalities in Israel. He emphasizes that one does not need to have to be Jewish to be a free citizen with equal rights in Israel. He also emphasizes that there is not a separation between Jewish nationhood and religion. Begin starts his speech showing that there can be a democratic State consisting of different nationalities. Because of Jewish history, Israel is sensitive to minorities living in Israel. Furthermore, Begin wants to prove that Judaism is far from racist. Then he shares that Herzl understood the intertwining between Jewish nationhood and religion. Begin points out that this connection can also be seen in the Bible. Begin argues that assimilation and intermarriage affects who is a Jew. There are people who are connected to Judaism, but are not considered Jewish. For the sake of these people, he argues, conversion should be made easier.

By Our Present Stand We Assure Israel a Future and Peace

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The interview with Begin focuses on his political perspectives and experiences. The introduction positively describes Begin and emphasizes how people think he has changed. The first question asked is about the relationship between Etzel agreeing to work with the Haganah, and Gahal agreeing to a Government of National Unity. Begin explains the differences between both situations. However, the main similarity is the purpose: Salvation of the nation. Begin then discusses his experiences while being in “Opposition.” He talks about the importance in stating that it is a historic right for Judea and Samaria to be part of Israel, however, he emphasizes that he will not initiate war. He spends time defining political terms such as “left,” “right,” “socialists,” and “progressives.” He identifies some of these groups as anti-Israeli and therefore, also anti-Semitic. The interview ends with Begin sharing his beliefs about peace. He is confident that peace will someday come.

My Hopes for Israel’s Next Decade

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Begin shares four visions he has for Israel in the upcoming decade. He first says he would like to see peace because he does not want to see more Jewish bloodshed. He mentions how the Jewish nation would consist of about 200 million people, if it were not for the persecution each generation has endured. The second hope is to see the land in Israel flourishing, with a self-sufficient economy. Having a flourishing country leads to his third hope of increased immigration. He envisions a wave of mass immigration by Russian Jews. He also wants to see immigration amongst Jews from countries where Jews have fled to as a result of poverty, oppression, persecution and pogrom. He mentions that this will be more difficult to achieve. One way he thinks this can be achieved is through Jewish students coming to study at Israeli universities. His fourth hope is for the continuation of democracy, where there is both unity and disagreements.