Author Daniel Gordis discusses Menachem Begin's life as a wanted man before Israel's creation, including his political career, meetings with key figures, the arrival of the Altalena ship, and his enduring legacy in Israeli and Jewish history. The podcast also explores the role of religion in European Jewry, the battle for control in Daria scene, distorted accounts of historical events, the divide among American Jews on the establishment of a Jewish state, and Begin's pride in Jewishness and its impact on the revival of Jewish interest.
Menachem Begin's restraint and refusal to engage in fratricide during the hunting season demonstrated his commitment to the greater cause of Israeli independence.
The King David Hotel bombing, attributed to the Etzel, was a significant event in the struggle against British rule and remains a controversial episode in Israel's fight for independence.
The integration of the Etzel into the new Israeli defense forces marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history and showcased Begin's commitment to a unified Jewish state.
Begin's leadership during the Altalena incident prevented a civil war and highlighted his dedication to avoiding internal conflicts and prioritizing the greater cause of Israeli independence.
Begin's emphasis on Jewish unity, maintaining dignity, and preserving certain Jewish practices contributed to his political success and resonated with many.
Deep dives
Manachem Begin's Journey from Gulag to Nobel Peace Prize
Manachem Begin's story begins in Brestletovsk, Belarus, where he was born in 1913. He experienced the horrors of the Gulag before eventually making his way to British Mandate Palestine. Begin became the leader of the underground Jewish resistance group, the Etzel, and played a significant role in Israel's fight for independence. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment during the hunting season, Begin showed restraint and refused to engage in fratricide. The King David Hotel bombing, attributed to the Etzel, was a significant event in the struggle against British rule. In 1948, Begin agreed to fold the Etzel into the new Israeli defense forces, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
The Clash Between Begin and Ben-Gurion
Manachem Begin and David Ben-Gurion had a contentious relationship. Begin viewed Ben-Gurion as an insular elitist who opposed his revisionist Zionist ideology. Meanwhile, Ben-Gurion saw Begin as impetuous and melodramatic. Their rivalry intensified during the hunting season, when Ben-Gurion turned over Etzel fighters to the British, leading to resentment on both sides. Despite their differences, both leaders shared a commitment to Israel's independence but had divergent ideas on how to achieve it.
The King David Hotel Bombing and Its Controversies
The Etzel's bombing of the King David Hotel in 1946 created a watershed moment in the history of terrorism. Although the operation was planned and executed by the Etzel, the Haganah and Jewish Agency were aware of and approved the plot. The bombing resulted in civilian casualties and attracted international attention. Begin took responsibility for the operation, while Ben-Gurion and the Haganah distanced themselves from it. The incident remains a controversial episode in Israel's struggle for independence.
Joining the Israeli Defense Forces
In 1948, after the declaration of Israel's independence, Begin agreed to integrate the Etzel into the new Israeli defense forces. This marked a turning point in his journey and the broader history of Israel. Begin's decision showed his commitment to the vision of a unified Jewish state and set the stage for his future political career.
The Altalena Incident and the Avoidance of Civil War
During the summer of 1948, a ship called the Altalena arrived in Israel with around 900 Jewish refugees and a cargo of arms. The ship violated a UN ceasefire's terms and was subject to an arms embargo. The situation escalated when David Ben-Gurion, the leader of the Jewish state, ordered Haganah members to open fire on the Altalena. Menachem Begin, the leader of the Irgun, was on board the ship and managed to safely reach the shore. Despite initial tensions between the Haganah and Irgun fighters, Begin used his leadership to calm the situation and prevent a civil war. He emphasized the need for unity against the common enemy and urged his followers not to engage in further fighting with other Jews. This incident showcased Begin's commitment to avoiding internal conflict and prioritizing the greater cause of Israeli independence.
Begin's Legacy and American Jewish Reactions
Menachem Begin's legacy and the perceptions of him among American Jews were mixed. American Jews during that time were divided between anti-Zionists and non-Zionists. Begin's ideology and actions, such as his focus on Jewish pride, the use of force, and the belief in the perpetual nature of anti-Semitism, were at odds with many American Jews' views. Begin's reputation was further tarnished by a letter signed by prominent American Jews, including Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt, who accused him of being a fascist due to his involvement in the Altalena incident. However, Begin's remorse for the loss of life and his commitment to preventing a civil war demonstrated his deep care and leadership qualities. Over time, as events unfolded and Begin negotiated peace treaties, his legacy became more appreciated, even by those who initially opposed him.
Begin's Role in Monopolizing Violence for Israeli Statehood
The Altalena incident exemplified Menachem Begin's role in monopolizing violence to ensure the survival of the Jewish state. While tensions between different Jewish paramilitary groups existed, Begin's determination to avoid internal conflict during a time of intense external pressure demonstrated his commitment to establishing a unified military and a single Jewish state. By preventing a civil war, Begin played a crucial role in maintaining stability and focusing the collective efforts on defending the fledgling nation. His leadership during the incident showed his conviction in using force when necessary for the greater cause of Israeli statehood while also prioritizing unity and avoiding infighting among Jewish factions.
Menachem Begin's Devotion to Jewish Unity and Dignity
Menachem Begin, a prominent leader in Israel's history, believed in the importance of Jewish unity and maintaining dignity. He emphasized that certain Jewish traditions and practices, regardless of one's personal beliefs, played a crucial role in binding the Jewish people together. Begin exemplified this belief by upholding certain practices in the public sphere, such as refusing to violate the Sabbath and insisting that Israeli embassies worldwide serve kosher food. His commitment to preserving Jewish dignity and unity resonated with many and contributed to his political success.
The Controversy Surrounding the Massacre at Daria Scene
The incident at Daria Scene, a village near Jerusalem, during the pre-war phase of Israel's existence, sparked controversy and different accounts of what occurred. Begin's role in the affair was debated heavily, with allegations of mass killings and rapes. However, recent research, including Eliezer Talber's book 'The Massacre That Never Was,' suggests a different narrative. Talber's analysis of Arabic, British, and Jewish accounts indicates that a significant number of those killed were actually armed combatants, challenging the notion of a massacre. The Daria Scene incident underscores the complexity and challenges of interpreting historical events, especially those with political implications.
In this episode Eli examines the life of Menachem Begin when he was a wanted man in the years before the state of Israel was created. His guest is Daniel Gordis, author of Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul.
