Subjects: Security

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.

I Refuse to Bow Before Authoritarianism

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Begin shares the uproar that took place in the Knesset after it had voted a motion of no confidence in the Government. While referring to a specific battle involving Jerusalem in the War of Independence, Ben Gurion argues that members of the Irgun and Herut opposed this war and even called it a Tisha B’Av. To correct Ben Gurion’s parphrase, Begin then quotes what he said during a debate in the First Knesset on Jerusalem. He gives battle descriptions and explains why he used the term Tisha B’Av. Begin then directs a few paragraphs about Ben Gurion and Ben Gurion’s hatred towards Begin. Begin describes himself as respectful, and one who “despise[s] authoritarianism, self-adulation, presumptuousness of the heart and the distortion of the truth.” Begin concludes that he fought for liberty during the War of Independence, and it was Ben Gurion who did not.

How We Became a Free People

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Begin reflects on the special UN session convening to discuss the question of Eretz Israel. He argues that this session was called for as a result of Etzel’s consistent revolt against the British. He shares how Ernest Bevin submitted his partition solution in January of 1947, and while the Arabs completely rejected this idea, the Jewish Agency representatives discussed ways this solution could be amended. Begin continues the story that Bevin rejected the amendments. Begin recalls that on March 1, 1947, Etzel blew up the British Officers’ Club, which led to Britain requesting for the special UN session. Begin remembers that Russia’s Foreign Minister exclaimed that it is time for the Jewish people to have self-sovereignty in Eretz Israel. Begin concludes by quoting what was said to the Etzel soldiers prior to their domino-effect attack.

Our Right to National Self Defence

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Begin writes in “Herut” about the current Syrian aggression and how Israel should respond. He first suggests for Israel to counter-attack only when Israel will choose the place and time. He criticizes the denial of any Knesset debate regarding the Syrian aggression and then he responds to the argument that Israel retaliated out of proportion. In this response, he provides an example of when Russia shot down an American spy pilot to show that if Russia can use all military means on a spy plane in the name of self-defense, then Israel should be allowed to self-defend against an aggressive neighbor. He shifts to argue how the “Davar” newspaper would have negatively responded to Israel’s recent counter-attack if Herut was in power. Begin concludes in honoring the Hebrew soldier and that their blood spilt in a battle is never spilt in vain.

The Man for whom Jabotinsky Waited

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In honor of David Raziel being brought to rest on Mount Herzl, Begin pays tribute to Raizel’s dedication and commitment to liberate Eretz Israel. Begin also thanks all those who helped transfer Raziel’s remains to Israel.