Subjects: Shlomo Ben-Yosef

Book on History of the Haganah: A Distortion of the Facts

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Begin addresses the Golda Meir’s decision to not publish, under the name of the Government and Army, chapters about Etzel in a second volume about the history of the Haganah. Begin explains that the volume distorts Etzel’s activities and criticizes Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Begin shares his process of trying to prevent the second volume from being published. He speaks with Moshe Dayan, who then passed it onto the Cabinet. Begin also spoke with then Prime Minister, Levi Eshkol. Begin shifts to the current decision by current Prime Minister, Golda Meir, to have the volume published, but without the name of the Government or the Army. Although the distortion of the truth is still published, Begin expresses the importance of the Government’s decision not to put its stamp of approval.

Singled Out by Fate

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Begin broadcasts on “Kol Israel” a tribute to Shlomo Ben Yosef, on the anniversary of his execution. He speaks of Ben Yosef’s actions prior to meeting his death from the gallows. Begin shares that Jabotinsky saw this sacrifice as the British attempt to scare the Hebrew youth. Begin mentions the other gallows martyrs and proclaims that the children of Israel cannot be frightened because they “were created to be free men.” He concludes that it is important to teach to the youth that Israel arose through of self-sacrifice.