A Letter by Einstein and Co.
This is a letter that fell on my lap which was written by famous American Jews including Albert Einstein in the late 1940s. It was written to denounce a visit by Menachem Begin.
Letters to the New York TimesDecember 4, 1948
New Palestine Party Visit of Menachem Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times 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 Menachem 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 ultranationalism, 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 misrepresentation 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 even 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.
(signed)
Isidore Abramowitz, Hannah Arendt, Abraham Brick, Rabbi Jessurun Cardozo, Albert Einstein, Herman Eisen, M.D., Hayim Fineman, M. Gallen, M.D., H.H. Harris, Zelig S. Harris, Sidney Hook, Fred Karush, Bruria Kaufman, Irma L. Lindheim, Nachman Maisel, Symour Melman, Myer D. Mendelson, M.D., Harry M. Orlinsky, Samuel Pitlick, Fritz Rohrlich, Louis P. Rocker, Ruth Sager, Itzhak Sankowsky, I.J. Schoenberg, Samuel Shuman, M. Znger, Irma Wolpe, Stefan Wolpe
New York, Dec. 2, 1948
Letters to the New York TimesDecember 4, 1948
New Palestine Party Visit of Menachem Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times 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 Menachem 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 ultranationalism, 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 misrepresentation 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 even 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.
(signed)
Isidore Abramowitz, Hannah Arendt, Abraham Brick, Rabbi Jessurun Cardozo, Albert Einstein, Herman Eisen, M.D., Hayim Fineman, M. Gallen, M.D., H.H. Harris, Zelig S. Harris, Sidney Hook, Fred Karush, Bruria Kaufman, Irma L. Lindheim, Nachman Maisel, Symour Melman, Myer D. Mendelson, M.D., Harry M. Orlinsky, Samuel Pitlick, Fritz Rohrlich, Louis P. Rocker, Ruth Sager, Itzhak Sankowsky, I.J. Schoenberg, Samuel Shuman, M. Znger, Irma Wolpe, Stefan Wolpe
New York, Dec. 2, 1948
posted by beirutlive at 9:38 AM
19 Comments:
There Never Was A Massacre At Deir Yassin
About "no massacre"
Read this, Solomon
http://www.deiryassin.org/mas.html
Julie - he's not really an American. He's a sub-human troll who enjoys emulating scum. Please don't think he represents anything else. You can see his thought "process" in the next blog line down - the one about the Johnny Walker Ad.
There are many - MANY - Americans who would simply take the scum and flush him. They do NOT even think that way much less agree with him.
But we should not let the scum spread so it dilutes the beauty. Now I will notice it floating by but will otherwise ignore it, Doc.
Doc - what I just realized is that we actually are talking to a 12 year old who is left alone during the week. He/she is supervised somewhat during the weekend and the computer is not available. But during the weekdays the computer is there and waiting without child proofing.
That explains the inability to spell, the lack of vocabulary, the childish ranting, the inability to reason or present a cogent argument and the insistence this blog should be about him/her.
I'll beg everyone's pardon for being angry and having spent so much time and space on "sam." My only excuse is I thought he/she really was a grown up with a filthy mouth.
Hi Doc
I think he's telling the truth - he had no idea the response would be so horrific. At the risk of drawing a lot of heat, I really don't think he's a "bad" man. I mean that in the sense of genuine evil. I think he intended to do as he had before - start something small, have a skirmish and swap some prisoners. I don't think he would intentionally draw so much destruction his way - if for no other reason than the Israeli/US goal would have been met: demonstrate that he must be removed.
And now - I don't know if it's "damage contrl" so much as it is "exploitation" of the overkill. Had Israel stopped in the first couple of days when Sinora asked them to, Israel and the US would be heroes. They'd have had Lebanese and world backing to launch a ground sweep to clean the swamp. But, Israel went too far and reversed the situation. All of a sudden the world doesn't see the very real threat of the Hezbollah - they see the incredible destruction wrought by the country they thought was being victimized. Now, instead of being heroes, Israel is making itself into a pariah. For God's sake - they keep the blockade in place? Even the United States would be in there now with SOMEthing trying to help "innocent civilians" had the US done the bombing. Look at Iraq and Afghanistan - blow the place up in the name of getting rid of "terrorists" and then spend hundreds of billions of dollars trying to rebuild it. But, first, try to keep Sunnis and Shia from killing each other. Still - the US is there trying to "help." Misguided as it is, it is well intentioned.
Israel should be doing something similar to show it is not at war with Lebanon per se - it is the Hezbollah they want rid of. But Israel has made it a war against the whole country and Nasrallah continues to be smart enough to exploit the unbelievable PR mistakes Israel keeps making in the name of being "tough."
However - "Israel" does not equal "Olmert." I would guess the phone lines between state departments are burning. Notice that Condoleeza Rice has been out of sight for a while. I'm hoping that means she is working on something that will involve a dramatic change in the Israeli approach to "self-defense."
This is a very relevant topic because there are attempts underway in the US among Christian protestant fundamentalists to re-write for propaganda purposes this period of Israel's history. Pro-Israeli propaganda is heavily promoted among US Christian fundamentalists especially, for example I've seen very insidious pro-Israeli propaganda on a popular Christian television channel. The propaganda was even cranked up during Israeli's invasion of Lebanon. Nothing is ever presented about the victims of Israel's military aggression.
That's one reason I would encourage Lebanese leaders to come to the US and be interviewed on US television. For example Prime Minister Siniora has already appeared once on the public broadcasting program "Charlie Rose" program in New York City. Today "Democracy Now" broadcast an interview in Lebanon with a member of parliament Ghassan Moukheiber, who sits on the human rights committee.
P.S. US polls clearly show the majority Americans want an even-handed foreign policy towards Israel and they reject the Bush administration's strongly pro-Israel stance. A majority even said Israel is given too much military aid by the US.
You're entirely right, Chris. And I would add that they need to get someone professional with a camera and do a documentary ala "Fahrenheit 911" - not quite so "cute" or extreme but something that relies on images more than just words.
I have not yet been able to get my local paper to even mention the Amnesty International Report. I've asked friends and they are completely unaware such a report was even written. When I ask about cluster bombs the answer is that they've heard of such things but have no idea either of what they do or if they were used.
It's unfortunate in a land where hate and fear are so constantly preached that we have to worry a lipstick might be a bomb, there's no good image of Lebanon or Beirut or any of the other land in the area. Mention "Golan Heights" and eyes glaze over. Not one in ten know where Lebanon is and even fewer have a clue about Beirut.
It's easy to fault Israel but you should also admire her. Perception is everything. There is simply no way to get all the facts in front of all the people. Even if you could, they would be confusing. Israel knows that so they do things like their "Ultimate Mission." Their tourism website says all the propaganda about Israel is based on truth that can be gotten from the hyperlinks on the site. The links, they say, are all the relevant links to the subject with only those containing "lies and propaganda" removed.
There has to be someone who can put a sympathetic face on the name "Lebanon". For all their faults, Americans basically are good people who do not want to see - much less be a party to - cruelty. Our leaders have done the same kinds of things Muslim "terrorist" leaders have done - preach hate and fear. Someone needs to get on TV - afternoon shows, late night, morning - and make an impression that contradicts the propaganda. Israel figured out how to do it long ago. The Muslim world needs to figure it out as well.
And - Julie
I know it's hard at first to ignore scum. But it does no good to talk to it or even let it know it's noticed. Just let the sewage flow by - and know there is fresh water behind it. Every once in a while a toilet flushes. It's in the nature of things. But usually, the water flows clear. That's where we want to be - not caught up in the sewage.
A well reasoned analysis, Bryan. But your question begs the question, "how would you go about doing that?" Is there anything in the "military solution" with which to "strike back and topple these two regimes" short of nuclear bunker busters and bombing the country flat? We certainly can't invade, ala Lebanon - the place is too big and too populated. And I think even Bush and Rice agree the problem is the Mullahs - not the people. But a military solution presupposes killing the people, doesn't it?
It's not altruistic and it's not "turning the other cheek," I don't think. I can see from where that idea comes but, is it true of, say Finland? Or Denmark? Or Italy? Or Australia? Why is it only the United States and Israel get so deeply involved in this "regional conflict?"
Do you seriously mean to suggest the only solution to the mess of knots is to blow them up? And then blow up North Korea? How about Venezuela? And Argentina. Chile? Cuba?
There's a terrible "regional conflict" in Africa - it's been going on a long, long time. How is it we can successfully avoid "regime change" there?
What is the sense in the United States and Israel refusing absolutely to talk to anyone in Iran or Syria? Why are we so determined to make them so outcast? Iran likely holds the keys to calming Iraq? Why would it not be a good idea to talk to Iran about it's ideas for settling the region? It can't possibly be true that every person in Iran is an "Islamic Fascist" - whatever that is. Surely there are some people who understand things like the interrelationships of states in a worldwide economy. And why it might be to their benefit to participate in at least quieting the secular war.
What does Iran care about Lebanon? It's a tiny little place with a beach compared to Iran. But it's a nice battlefield to show the United States what might happen if we try a "regime change." It won't be a cakewalk.
Unless you are prepared to use nuclear weapons and then try to care for whatever remains of the population, the military "solution" really is worse than what we already have going in Iraq. At best we confirm just how limited we are in thinking and ability. We simply don't have the ability to go everywhere a "regime change" is needed and effect it militarily.
Watch what happens in North Korea over the next few weeks. My understanding is China has agreed with the US to start freezing the North Korean bank accounts around the world. That'll cut off the caviar, booze and babes in the presidential mansion in Pyong Yang. And it just might get some change started. It's worth at least a try since a military strike would start another Korean War. To add to the Mideast War.
Olmert is on his way out. The reservists are after him and the mothers of dead soldiers. He didn't deliver what he promised and the proof is all over the media - If "Hezbollah has been whipped" - why the continuing blockade? Why the "International Force" which must be made up of countries with diplomatic ties to Israel?
A huge advantage of a free country over others - including factions like Hezbollah - is that truth can ultimately come out. And it usually has a way of surfacing at the worst possible time for the liar. Olmert didn't so much lie as he overstated his and his military's ability and he overestimated the Mossad and other agencies ability to collect actionable intelligence. Same as Bush and Iraq.
Nasrallah is not "bad" because he is following a core belief. The beliefs collide but I don't doubt he really believes what he says. As compared, for example, to George Bush who doesn't really know what he's saying when he says it.
Nasrallah's temporary advantage is control. Now - if Israel and the US would finally read a book about counterinsurgency warfare, they would find what they are doing is exactly the wrong thing. The massive attacks and assaults and detentions strengthen the "terrorist" guerilla - his strength is the people he's with. He does not have overwhelming force. But, unless we are willing to kill all the people, we can't kill the insurgent. Thus, we doom ourselves to failure before we start. The answer is to attack the insurgent's strength - his relationships with the people. He has to be separated from them and that requires a good intelligence gathering operation - not a gunslinging, bomb dropping one. It requires gaining the confidence of the people so they will identify the insurgents so they can be weeded out. But if we bomb their houses and leave bomblets behind to get them later, we put the "terrorist" leader in the position of saying, "see? I told you so." Which does precisely the opposite of what we really want to happen.
Agreed Bryan - there's certainly no guarantee it will work and a lot of arm twisting is needed. But - again - what are the real alternatives? We say we're going to impose "economic sanctions" on Iran. What sanctions? And - as I understand it, Japan buys a lot of oil from Iran. So - simply saying "here's what we're going to do" won't work. But Russia says, "no military strike." Do we say, "go to hell?"
And what is the end game? Where does "regime change" get us? There's a really good argument - one that Israel was making in the mid-80's - that the devil you know is better than one you don't know. That's why we supported Saddam Hussein. If he was still in power, we would not be so tied down in Iraq and there would be more or less parity in military force in the area. But now, we invite a regional conflict by tossing everything up in the air with no idea where it's going to land. And that kind of chaos is what results in tyrants and dictators. They come in with the promise - like the Taliban does in Africa - of bringing back a peaceful way of life. It may not be a lot of fun living by their rules but at least there are rules and you are living. Remember "better red than dead?"
You've demonstrated your real self, you stinky little squirt of pee. Here's what I suggest - get your filthy self on an airplane. I'll give you my phone number. We'll meet and we'll see how long a stinky little glob of sewage can stand - you will be on your ass in no more than ten seconds begging for help you miserable piece of scum. Now - get your miserable self out from behind your computer and give me your flight number. I'm calling you out, shit for brains - come and get it or be forever known as the miserable little scum coward you are. Feeling tough, sewage boy? Come and get it - you aren't tough - you're all drooling mouth and no guts at all. Come on, scumbag - let's see who you are really.
Bryan - that last was for Sewer sam the scumbag
Bryan said:
> There is no longer any doubt what is driving the conflict in the Middle East: it is the Syrian-Iranian strategy of using proxies to strike at the U.S. and extend Iran's fanatical influence over the region.
I doubt either Syria or Iran are interested in striking at the US. Syria has a rapidly growing population, plus huge numbers of refugee's from Iraq, and they need economic growth above all else. Also Syria is apparently attracting a lot of foreign investment from the Arab oil states and Syria has to act fairly responsibly to keep that coming. However as in Pakistan, the Syrian military and intelligence services seems to have their own agenda and that's a big concern.
Before the Iranian revolution there used to be a lots of Iranian students at US colleges and universities. Therefore Iran knows the US public extremely well. They seems primarily interested in embarrassing the Bush administration and US supporters of Israel to the maximum extent possible. Everything that's happened in Lebanon and Iraq has made Bush look very bad, and it's likely going to continue right up until the November elections.
Meanwhile we are likely going to see the UN Human Rights Council finding Israel has committed war crimes, which will embarrass Bush even more. They will find those were US-made cluster munitions that Israel dumped all over south Lebanon. Apparently they were poorly manufactured and had about 25% dud "bomblets", which will be very difficult to find and dispose of. The bomblets are about the size and shape of your clasped hand and not marked in any way - no wonder children pick them up.
As for Lebanon, I will guess Iranian and Arab aid will be quietly helping Lebanon recover extremely rapidly while the public credit goes to the EU countries. Also Iran is likely going to make sure Hezbollah behaves themselves for the next 2 years, so it shouldn't be a bad time to be in Lebanon. In fact there could be lots of opportunities.
To everyone here = I apologize for my outburst and ignoring my own advice to ignore him. I regret taking your time and the space to vent my anger. I lost my temper and will try to make certain it doesn't happen again.
Thanks for your understanding
Howard
It's not a very long story, Bryan but it's also not pretty. Best would be to skim through a couple of the more recent threads and read his "contributions." They mainly are mindless religion bashing, woman bashing, Lebanese bashing, hcb bashing rants. He's gone from calling the women here "cunts" to hailing the Israelis for "taking out the trash" in Lebanon to calling for all out war on "Muilms" or "Moslems" or ... He has trouble with typing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and organizing a thought that requires more than a couple of syllables.
I lost my temper yesterday and should not have. He had been levelling one of his vile attacks on Julie and then he decided to "shut down" the blog by posting and reposting what he referred to as "trash" - the Bill of Rights.
I invite you to look at what he's written in the past few weeks and draw your own conclusions. I think it's fair to say everyone who has been here more than a few days knows to simply ignore him as a pest. He feeds on attention so we've decided to stop feeding him.
The last resort of someone with nothing to say? Spamming the board, of course.
Bryan, I liked your post. I have a hard time with this whole "everything is the fault of Iran and Syria." Does the United States not respect how it has created Syria and Iran through our own actions?
Example: Iran wants to develop nuclear technology. Where did they get the reactor? Where did they get the uranium? This was provided to Iran when it was led by an oppressive dictator that we supported.
We insist that everyone do what we tell them and yet we are unaccountable to any other nation. Case in point: An illegal invasion of Iraq, based on false information.
If we spent half as much time negotiating as we do villifying, we might have created a better situation for ourselves in the Middle East, and the Middle East would be more stable as a result.
Just watch --- the United States has backed an oppressive government in Saudi Arabia for many years. The Saudis (who are nothing more than rich barons) hold down the population by throwing money at it. But the day will come when the Saudi government faces the same demise that met the Shah. Then we in the US will be bitching about a radical Islamic republic in Saudi Arabia, and we will conveniently overlook how much support we provided to the previous regime.
Democracy can not be forced down people's throats at the end of a gun barrel. And if we are here in fact to "promote democracy," perhaps we could be more consistent about it. We don't bash Saudi Arabia. We used to bash Pakistan, until they became an ally of convenience. We supported Saddam Hussein for many years, providing him with military technology and never requiring him to make democratic reforms.
Ah, today Syria and Iran are the problem. In ten years, it could well be that Syria is the ally and Yemen is the worst terrorist state in the world. It all depends on what day you catch us.
Sam, I don't particularly care why you are angry. I also don't particularly care about your point of view since you have consistently been unable to conduct yourself in a civil manner. To me, you are simply one more idiot with access to the internet, and I cannot be brought down to your level. You will always lose a battle of wits here because you are so poorly armed for this fight.
If you wish to stay here and make no contribution, that is your choice. But the rest of us here get to make choices as well, and I hope that most will simply choose to ignore you from now on. After this post, you will gain no more attention from me, so stop trying so hard. If you want something to do with your time, enter counseling to address the anger issues that clearly make it difficult for you to maintain any relationships of value.
I hope you can read this as an adult, but I don't expect it. You act less mature than my seven year old, so I will treat you accordingly. I am putting you in the corner, which is exactly where you belong.
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