Subjects: The Five Mem's

What Begin Told Sadat

By

Begin delivers a speech in response to Anwar Sadat’s address to the Knesset. He starts off briefly reflecting on past events to show that Israel has been dedicated to making peace with its neighbors since declaring independence. Then Begin shifts to agree that a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt should not put a wedge between Arab nations because Israel also wants peace with its other neighbors. He hopes that there will no longer be wars between Egypt and Israel and if there are disagreements between the countries, ambassadors will handle it. He shifts to expressing disagreement with Sadat’s statement that Israel took a foreign country. Then he talks about the importance of conducting negotiations respectfully so that there will eventually be a reached consent and thus, a signed peace treaty. Begin includes that he is open to negotiations with neighboring Arab countries and closes by quoting both the Bible and Koran.

Begin Issues Call to World Jewry

By

In Begin’s Rosh Hashanah message, he focuses on four topics. He first talks about wanting aliyah to increase from both Jews living in democracies and living under communism. He specifically encourages youth to come and build up the land. Then he talks about the part of the country affected by poverty. Begin asks for Diaspora Jews to help fellow brethren who live in insufferable housing conditions. He reminds his readers that liberty and social justice are Jewish values. He shifts to talk about the importance of Hebrew being the second spoken language by Diaspora Jews. Having Hebrew as a second language will prevent the youth from being completed assimilated and leaving behind their Jewish heritage. Lastly, he talks about Jews unifying to support Israel’s security. He closes by praying that this year will bring peace to all people and Israel.

Sitting 3 of the Ninth Knesset Part I

By

Begin presents to the Knesset with his government and its guidelines. In this speech, he first clarifies that he will not ask for other nations to recognize Israel’s right to exist, because existence is a right. He hopes other nations will recognize Israel’s sovereignty and “the mutual need for a life of peace and understanding.” He speaks about the Jewish people’s eternal relationship to the Land of Israel. Begin then reads the list of guidelines of the government.

Jabotinsky Lives On

By

Begin gives an address in Tel Aviv on the 25th anniversary of Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s death. To commemorate Jabotinsky, he speaks about Jabotinsky’s disciples, ideas, and characteristics. Begin shares that regardless of where Jabotinsky’s disciples were, they all mourned his death. Additionally, his disciples continued to learn and teach Jabotinsky’s teachings, which keeps Jabotinsky alive. Then Begin illuminates Jabotinsky’s ideas by providing examples of his dedication to the Jewish Homeland. Lastly, Begin speaks of three main characteristics Jabotinsky held: love of Israel, human dignity, and the splendor of his conduct. Begin concludes with reminiscing about the previous year when Jabotinsky’s remains were buried in Israel and that Jabotinsky will continue to live in generations to come.

The Strike

By

Begin addresses David Ben Gurion’s attitude towards the current engineer strikers. Begin starts by referencing to a time pre-Statehood when Ben Gurion instructed the leader of Haganah to annul his signature in an agreement that was with Etzel. Then Begin argues that Ben Gurion was involved in preventing the engineer employees coming to an agreement with their employers. Begin continues to explain Ben Gurion’s negative perspective on the strike and goes so far to call the strike “savage.” Furthermore, Begin counter-argues Ben Gurion’s claim that the strikers do not want to work. Begin shifts to share that since most strikes end in compromise, it is important to think if a strike could be avoided. Then he shares that doctors, teachers, and engineers should only strike as a last-resort. Begin concludes that the Mapai’s “lack of differentiation” system is paralyzing and that the “5 mem’s” should be the minimum all Israelis should receive.