Subjects: Linguistics

The Lion Cub Of Judah Has Arisen

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Begin speaks at the unveiling of Dov Gruner’s memorial in Ramat Gan. He reflects on Etzel’s purpose and the determined Etzel soldiers. He then reminds the audience that Etzel soldiers were not the first dissidents in Jewish history. Begin also explains that a key difference between Israel and other nations is that unlike other nations in war, Israel did not have any allies. This meant that Israel’s only weapons were weapons conquered from its enemy. Begin shifts to speak of the battle in which Gruner was captured and then shares the powerful words spoken to British judges by Gruner, Avshalom Habib, and Ya’acov Weiss. With Gruner’s and other soldiers’ dedication, Begin proudly announced that the nearby British fortress is guarded by Hebrew policemen. Begin then speaks about the significance of the memorial for Gruner being the Lion Cub of Judah. He concludes stating that the spirit of freedom and faith in justice will continue to exist in the Jewish nation forever.

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.

Britain Would Not Go to War if Israel Occupied All Western Palestine

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This article contains extracts from Begin’s fighting speech in Tel Aviv with an audience of half a million people. He comments on the statement Moshe Sharett made, which was: ”We, the Government cannot undertake to ensure that no Jews will be killed in Israel.'” He also speaks about the mistake for the Government not taking action while Egypt was distracted with internal conflict. Then Begin speaks about Sharett’s attempts to avoid Herut’s critical evaluation of the Government’s actions. Sharett specifically uses the word ‘adventure,’ and therefore, Begin uses that word to speak about Jewish history. He says, “There is adventure of devotion, of redemption, of Holy belief, and there is adventure of denial, of irresponsibility, of treachery, of surrender, of slavery.” Begin argues that this first definition of adventure applies to Etzel’s actions, while the second definition applies to the current Government.

Menachem Begin Sums Up

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Begin addresses an audience of Cape Town Jews during his South African tour. He first speaks about his hope that Herut would do better than the current Government if it was in power. In regards to the economy, he speaks about the importance of free enterprise and preventing monopolies. He electrifies the crowd when speaking of Shalom Ash’s regret of previously opposing Jabotinsky’s plan for Jewish emigration from Europe. He quotes from the famous Al Chayet prayer, which is said during Yom Kippur. Begin also expresses his strong disagreement in having relations with Germany. Begin speaks about the lack of peace with Arabs and concludes that it is time for Israel “to change the driver.”

Menachem Begin Broadcasts to South Africa

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Begin broadcasts on the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He first speaks about the link between the Union of South Africa and Israel. He explains that their geographic link is narrowed because of “modern means of communication.” There is also a spiritual link between the two nations; both are dreamers and pioneers. Begin speaks about the goodwill he feels based on seeing the country and meeting the Prime Minister, press, and citizens. He shifts to talk about Israel’s potential to develop in both agricultural and industrial ways. He speaks of other countries considered to be in the Middle East and that in those countries, majority of people are in “misery and disease and malnutrition.” Begin expresses that the condition of these other countries make them a target for communism. Then he strongly states that despite threats from Israel’s enemies, Israel is going to stay on the map. He concludes that the Union of South Africa and Israel will have a solid friendship.