October 15, 2006
YayaCanada.com
Scanned clipping
of Letter to the Editor of the New York Times,
published December 4, 1948.
A .pdf version of this clip can be obtained from
the New York Times for a small fee.
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Text for
readers who cannot
see images:
New Palestine Party
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Visit of Menachen Begin and Aims of Political Movement
Discussed
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To the editor of the New York Times:
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our time is the
emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party"
(Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization,
methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist
parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the
former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist
organization in Palestine.
The current visit of Menachen Begin, leader of
this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the
impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli
elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist
elements in the United States. Several Americans of national
repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is
inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if
correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives,
could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
Before irreparable damage is done by way of
financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin's behalf, and
the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of
America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must
be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his
movement.
The public avowals of Begin's party are no
guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of
freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they
openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its
actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its
past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.
Attack on Arab Village
A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir
Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish
lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands
who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9
(The New York Times), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village,
which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its
inhabitants - 240 men, women and children - and kept a few of them
alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem.
Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish
Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of
Trans-Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their
act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all
the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped
corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin.
The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the
character and actions of the Freedom Party.
Within the Jewish community they have preached
an admixture of ultra-nationalism, religious mysticism, and racial
superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to
break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free
trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions
on the Italian Fascist model.
During the last years of sporadic anti-British
violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the
Palestine Jewish community. Teachers were beaten up for speaking
against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join
them. By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and
wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and
exacted a heavy tribute.
The people of the Freedom Party have had no
part in the constructive achievements in Palestine. They have
reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the
Jewish defense activity. Their much-publicized immigration
endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist
compatriots.
Discrepancies Seen
The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and
his party and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the
imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable
stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs,
and British alike), and misprepresentation are means, and a "Leader
State" is the goal.
In the light of the foregoing considerations,
it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be
made known in this country. It is all the more tragic that the
top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against
Begin's efforts, or to expose to its own constituents the dangers to
Israel from support to Begin.
The undersigned therefore take this means of
publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party,
and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of
fascism.
28 signatures of prominent members of the American Jewish community
including Albert Einstein
New York, Dec. 2, 1948
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