Subjects: Security

A Prayer–And A Call To Duty

By

After accepting the title of being the commander of Betar, Begin addresses the world Betar conference. Begin speaks about the first Rosh Betar, Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Then he speaks about the first members of Betar—their passion led to the successful revolt in liberating the Homeland. Begin shifts from the past to speak in deep sorrow about the present-day situation. He argues that what is or isn’t done in the present will affect the future. Then he speaks about the lack of immigration and poor education that is given to the youth. Begin explains that the youth are being taught that “any effort to regain the soil of its ancestors is ‘treif'”. He also argues against the claim that the army is where youth learn to fight and receive education. Begin shares that the army depends on the character of the youth prior to their army service. Begin concludes that Betar has a duty to properly educate the youth, because the future of the country depends on them.

Do You No Longer Believe the Sun Will Shine Just Because it Sets?

By

Begin shares a message to all Jewish freedom fighters. He first speaks about his opponents where the term ‘success’ means power, money, and rule. He then shares that a successful uprising against a powerful regime depends on faith, purity, brothel love, and devotion. He shares that it is important not to give up, but rather “strive, believe, do, will!” He compares Israel’s struggle for independence with other nations. Unlike these nations, Israel had way less—no land, no large quantity of arms, no allies, no base, no support from ‘national institutions’—and still succeeded. Begin shares that England was not weak or destroyed in 1948. However, it was the Jewish fighters that “demolished the foundations of British prestige—the basis of its rule—throughout the world.” Begin closes by reemphasizing that the Jewish fighters succeeded alone, without external help.

Be Brave of Spirit and Ready for Trials: We Shall Withstand Them

By

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.

Who Will Act For Israel – If not Israel

By

Begin focuses on Moshe Sharett’s and the UN’s reactions to the murder at Scorpions’ Pass and the Jewish reprisal at Nahalin. After Scorpion’s Pass, Begin shares that Sharett indirectly approached the UN Security Council and ultimately the UN Security Council did not think the case was proven. Then Nahalin occurred and, while Begin condones the attack, the UN and Sharett condemned it. Begin continues to express why he does not condemn the attack and further explains the double standard the UN places on Israel. He explains that Israel must do what is best for itself, including stopping the spillage of Jewish blood. Begin shares that the Ha’aretz newspaper criticized his standpoints, however, after Nahalin, it deemed the event to be ‘cruel logic.’ In his conclusion Begin acknowledges that the Arab guerilla warfare will continue and no Israeli citizen is safe from these attacks. Begin argues that the warfare will stop once there is no more partition, once the entire Homeland is liberated.

A Day of Triumph For Bad Faith

By

Begin speaks about the majority vote in the Knesset denying veterans from Etzel and Lechi certain privileges that are granted to “members of the Haganah, of the soldiers of the Jewish Brigade of the British Army, of the Jewish warriors and partisans of the Second World War.” Begin first mentions that international politicians have acknowledged Etzel and Lechi’s veterans. Then Begin shifts to say that these veterans do not want recognition from members of the Knesset because of those members’ actions prior to Statehood. They seek “the equality of death, the equality of blood, the equality of sacrifice, the equality of the maimed hand, the equality of the orphan and the bereaved.” Begin mentions that there were members of the Knesset who wanted to grant veterans from Etzel and Lechi the certain privileges. Begin concludes that “in vain will injustice exult.”