After the United States called for Israel to absorb Arab refugees, Begin criticized America for leading the Arabs to believe there was the possibility they would return to Israel. Begin saw this as an act of self-preservation and not a position open to compromise.
After recounting numerous incidents of anti-Semitism in Soviet Russia, Begin calls on the country to deal with the issue by allowing its Jewish residents to make aliyah to Israel.
In the aftermath of a Syrian attack on civilians in the north, Begin sharply criticizes both the UN’s decision not to censure Syria and the Israeli government’s continuing policy of havlaga (passive restraint). He cites examples from then-recent American history and international law to justify a stronger response on Israel’s part.
Begin focuses on the Government’s stances in 1961 and 1962 towards a potential resolution in the UN for direct Israel-Arab peace negotiations. Begin argues that it is problematic when a Government believes it is always in the right, and he speaks about Mapai’s relationship with Beersheva. Mapai is under the impression that it created modern Beersheva, and because of this, Mapai is shocked to see that Beersheva is still functioning without the control of Mapai. Then Begin speaks about how in 1961, the Government made a mistake by persisting a resolution for direct Israel-Arab talks. Then in 1962, with U.S. pressure, the Government agreed to not have the resolution voted on in the UN. Begin shares that in 1961, Herut knew the Government made a mistake and concludes that Herut will continue to speak out when the Government makes mistakes in the future.
In the Rosh Hashanah edition of The Jewish Herald, Begin argues that the world and Jews should take seriously the reemergence of Nazism happening throughout the world. Begin metaphorically relates the anti-Semitic attacks to a small spark in the woods that leads to a deadly disaster. He explains that the swastika vandalism should not be an internal problem for the specific countries; it should be an international concern. He shares some of the articles in the UN stance against genocide to show that the swastika vandalism needs international attention in order “to prevent the crime of genocide.” Furthermore, he says that the perpetrators of such crimes need to be seriously punished. He speaks about the limit of freedom of speech in regards to falsely yelling “Fire” in a crowded theatre. Similarly, it should be forbidden to yell “Burn them!” He concludes by calling upon all free people to unite and defend human dignity.
