Subjects: Linguistics

Menachem Begin Lectures to Pretoria University on ‘Wars of Liberation’

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Begin lectures to students at Pretoria University about the War of Independence. He compares the recent fight for freedom with the Maccabees. Both fought to return the Jewish nation to its homeland. He also speaks about just like in other liberation wars, many of the fighters die, and others take their place so “the chain is never broken, the fight for freedom goes on.” Additionally, Begin explains that freedom fighters do not believe in physical force, but rather moral force. Begin then shares that a key difference between Israel’s liberation war and other liberation wars is that in other liberation wars, the nations gained an ally. This was not that case for Israel; Israel only gained sympathy. To conclude his lecture, he spoke about the importance of youth returning to religion had having real sincere faith.

The Broadcast That Stirred All Israel

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Prior to the arrival of Begin in South Africa, the Jewish Herald published Begin’s broadcast to Israel on the first night of Israel’s existence. In this broadcast, Begin first reflects on successful, yet difficult, Hebrew revolt. Begin mentions the importance for the Jewish army to have weapons and spiritual armor. He discusses the importance of diplomacy with all nations that will recognize Israel’s existence and specifically speaks about the U.S., Soviet Union, and France. He shifts to speak the necessity of encouraging aliyah. Additionally, justice should be a fundamental principle for the State. Begin announces that there is no longer a need for the Underground within the borders of the independent state. He then expresses that the nation is in the middle of a battle and that they will succeed. He concludes by praying for the Hebrew soldiers.

The Flag of Israel Will Yet Fly From the Tower of David….We Shall Yet Meet on the Road to Jerusalem

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On the eve of fifth anniversary of Israel’s Independence, Begin addresses a parade of former Etzel members. He reminisces about the success in gaining freedom from Britain. This freedom was acquired by Etzel’s blood and suffering. Then Begin shifts to describe the battle of Jaffa, which took place after the British left. After his description, he raises the questions of who drove out the British and conquered Jaffa. He argues that if the nation believes it was the Haganah, he says to to Etzel soldiers that “[we] will bow our heads before them and acknowledge: ‘You expelled the British, you ended the foreign regime, you brought the nation from subjugation to freedom.'” However, if it is the other way around, Haganah members should praise Etzel members. Begin praises the soldiers at the parade and identifies them as disciples of Ze’ev Jabotinsky. He closes sharing hopes that Etzel will continue to fight to unite the Homeland.

U.S. Editor Sees Menachem Begin As “The Man Of The Hour”

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In this interview, Begin speaks about the Government and Israel’s relationship with both the U.S. and Germany. Begin first talks about the recent meeting he had with New York Board of Rabbis. During this meeting Begin spoke honestly by explaining the Government’s harsh reactions when Herut held a demonstration against the Government’s decision to negotiate with Germany. Begin recalls asking the rabbis to support Herut’s position and that the rabbis agreed. Then the interview speaks about anti-Semitism and shifts to Begin expressing hope in Herut gaining power so that Israel can be a true democracy. Currently, though, Mapai is in control and Begin provides examples to show the lack of democracy in Mapai’s actions. Then Begin discusses that Israel succeeds in war because of God’s guidance, not merely because of numbers. This leads to Begin sharing his agreement in the creation of the Sanherin in Israel. The interview ends with Begin expressing concern towards Soviet Jews.

Menachem Begin’s Report

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Begin speaks at Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s annual Yahrzeit ceremony in New York. He first mentions that earth was brought from the graves of Theodor Herzl, Joseph Trumpeldor, Sarah Aronson, and the graves of Jabotinsky’s students who served in the Underground. Begin mentions the different Israeli cities where those people are buried. Begin then apologizes that the earth from David Raziel’s grave could not be brought. He continues to say that he also could not bring earth from brethren who were massacred. Begin shifts to share that Jabotinisky taught to love and fight for the nation of Israel. Additionally, Jabotinsky taught to liberate the Homeland in its entirety, which Begin mentions has yet to be fulfilled. Once that is complete, Begin says that Jabotinsky’s wish to be buried in the Homeland will be fulfilled. Begin concludes with comparing Jabotinsky as the father and teacher, and himself as a son and student.