Subjects: Linguistics

Churchill’s Help in the Modern Jewish Fight for Freedom

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Begin focuses on how Winston Churchill’s beliefs and actions towards both the idea of a Jewish State and Etzel contributed to the revival of the Jewish Homeland. Begin first quotes Churchill’s pledge in 1919 about his hope for a Jewish State. Then Begin discusses Churchill’s influence of the Balfour Declaration, Peel Commission, and White Papers. All of these documents explain the shift of England’s position of a future national home for the Jewish nation throughout the years. Begin then shares Churchill’s desire for the destruction of Etzel, and as a result the Haganah began the “season.” Begin explains that because of Churchill’s position, it strengthened the argument that Jews alone liberated their land. Begin mentions Churchill’s strength against Nazi Germany and concludes by quoting the Irgun’s response to Churchill’s want for the total destruction of Etzel.

Singled Out by Fate

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Begin broadcasts on “Kol Israel” a tribute to Shlomo Ben Yosef, on the anniversary of his execution. He speaks of Ben Yosef’s actions prior to meeting his death from the gallows. Begin shares that Jabotinsky saw this sacrifice as the British attempt to scare the Hebrew youth. Begin mentions the other gallows martyrs and proclaims that the children of Israel cannot be frightened because they “were created to be free men.” He concludes that it is important to teach to the youth that Israel arose through of self-sacrifice.

Why Herut Must be in the Histadrut

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Begin’s address at the Herut Convention in Tel Aviv focuses on reasons why Herut should be in the Histadrut. He first speaks about the importance of the potential bloc between Herut and the Liberal Party. This leads him into speaking about why he believes there is a space for Herut in Histadrut. One argument he makes is that the Histadrut is no longer majority socialists. Additionally, some current members are not afraid to declare their allegiance with Herut. Mapai is the party that’s afraid because they are losing their monopoly over the Histadrut. This fear is shown in their attempt to alter the Histadrut’s constitution so Herut cannot join. He concludes that he believes Herut will be part of the Government in the upcoming years.

Their Blood Has Not Been Avenged

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Over a week after Adolf Eichmann’s execution, Begin writes about the lessons learned from his hanging. Begin starts by explaining the significance of Eichmann receiving death sentence and not life imprisonment. He shares that Eichmann’s execution is not out of vengeance, but to lessen the pain his victims still feel. Begin then reflects on the Jewish cowardice he witnessed during Eichmann’s capture, sentencing and execution. He argues that it is the Eichmann supporters who should now feel cowardice. He concludes by stating three lessons learned from this Eichmann saga, the last one being the importance of Jews bearing arms for self-defense.

Begin’s ‘Shehecheyanu’ on Shavit II

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Begin shares his excitement for the launching of Israel’s first rocket by saying the shehecheyanu and reminding others that this achievement is a national achievement that does not have any political party connection whatsoever.