Subjects: Selective Aliyah

1998: There Will Be a Mighting Nation in This Land

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In honor of Israel’s “silver jubilee” (25th) birthday, Begin speaks about his hopes for Israel in its next jubilee birthday, in 1998. By 1998, he hopes that majority of Jews will be in Israel, which will lead to one million people living in Jerusalem. Additionally, he believes that majority of Soviet Jews will make aliyah. Then Begin focuses on current concerns and first counter-argues the claim that it is unjust for Jews ruling over Arabs. He quotes Hussein to point out his desire to have all of Israel under his control. Also, he speaks about the secretary general from Histadrut’s public suggestion for Israel to immediately leave Shechem, Jericho, and Hebron. Begin then says that Israel needs to liberate the rest of the land for the sake of Israel’s security. Begin shifts to speak about another threat to Israel’s security: Assimilation. He concludes quoting Ezekiel’s vision of Jews inhabiting all of Israel.

Confrontation

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Begin shares the issues he finds important regarding Israel’s upcoming electorate. He first addresses that elections on the basis of constituencies would ensure the Labor Party the majority of seats in the Knesset. Begin explains that some small parties voted in agreement for the constituent system because it would lead to greater legislative efficiency. However, unlike these parties, Gahal did not commit suicide. Then Begin speaks about the multiple debates Gahal initiated in the Knesset. After that, Begin speaks about the invalid argument that if Israel is not partitioned, it will become a bi-national State. He concludes that depending on which party Israel votes for, they will be choosing a socialistic regime (Labor Party) or a free society (Gahal).

Time to Settle Accounts with the Russians

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Begin exploits the actions of the Russian Government to prevent Soviet Jewry from immigrating to Israel. First, he explains the motives behind the Russian tax placed on those who want to leave to Israel. Additionally, Begin speaks about the absurdity of the education tax that Jews have already paid off. Then Begin focuses on the concentration camps and conditions of labor Russian Jews were forced to partake in. Again, Begin shifts to confront the State loan each worker was required to give, and how only Jews wanting to immigrate to Israel do not receive their share of that loan, nor their pensions. Then Begin speaks about what Jewish youth in the Diaspora should do to support their brethren in Russia. He concludes that the Soviet Jews are true revolutionaries and heroes.

Encounters with Jewish Youth

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Begin shares his various encounters with Zionist youth, nationally and internationally. In one situation, American Zionists associated with Hashomer Hatzair distributed leaflets comparing Gahal to Fatah outside of Begin’s hotel. The leaflet argues that both want to be in complete control of the entire region, and the conclusion they draw is that neither Gahal nor Fatah will bring peace and justice to the Middle East. Begin is more upset about Zionists publically shaming Israel than his party being compared to Fatah. He also shares the response he gives to Zionist youth who ask him about Deir Yassin. Begin then shifts to sharing positive interactions with Zionist youth. He focuses on Russian Jews and their nationalistic beliefs. Begin briefly brings up the increase in aliyah post- Six Day War and concludes that he hopes that more Zionist youth will bring comfort, instead of distress regarding the future of Israel.

My Hopes for Israel’s Next Decade

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Begin shares four visions he has for Israel in the upcoming decade. He first says he would like to see peace because he does not want to see more Jewish bloodshed. He mentions how the Jewish nation would consist of about 200 million people, if it were not for the persecution each generation has endured. The second hope is to see the land in Israel flourishing, with a self-sufficient economy. Having a flourishing country leads to his third hope of increased immigration. He envisions a wave of mass immigration by Russian Jews. He also wants to see immigration amongst Jews from countries where Jews have fled to as a result of poverty, oppression, persecution and pogrom. He mentions that this will be more difficult to achieve. One way he thinks this can be achieved is through Jewish students coming to study at Israeli universities. His fourth hope is for the continuation of democracy, where there is both unity and disagreements.