Menashem Begin Asserts Jews Alone Fought for Israel’s Freedom

Menashem Begin, an Israeli Cabinet member and head of the militant nationalist Heart faction was received with a storm of applause as he addressed the opening of the United Israel Campaign here last night. Mr. Begin, a Minister-Without-Portfolio, declared that Israel’s freedom was fought for by Jews alone, without help from anyone. Mr. Begin was leader of the Iran underground fighters who harassed the British Mandatory forces in pre-1948 Palestine. His organization, branded “terrorist” by some, was eventually incorporated into the Israel Army. Referring to that Army, he told his audience, the more modern weapons we have, the fewer casualties we suffer. He maintained that it was the Arabs’ objective to kill as many Israelis as possible. He complained that while Israel cannot get modern arms “for gold” Egypt, Syria and Iraq get them for nothing from the Russians.

Mr. Beigin said Israel’s strategic position however was far better now than before the June, 1967 war. “Military superiority is not a question of muscles but of brains and that we have,” he said. He predicted that 7,000 immigrants would arrive in Israel from the United States in 1970. He also observed that 43 percent of Israel’s national budget was spent for defense. Sharing the platform with Mr. Beigin were Israel’s Ambassador Eliezer Doron, Leon Mirelman, chairman of the United Israel Campaign and Nachman Radzichowski, chairman of the Argentine Zionist Federation.