, t
New Palestine Party
Visit of Menachen Begin and Aims of
Political Movement Discussed
To the Editor or Thk Nbw York Times :
Among- the most disturbing political
phenomena of our time is the emer-
gence 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 fc*'
lowing of "the former Irgun Zvai Leumi,
a terrorist, right-wing,«£hauvinifit or-
ganization 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 incon-
ceivable that those who oppose fascism
throughout tha world," if correctly in-
formed as Id Mr. Begin's political
record and perspectives, could add
their names and support to tne move-
ment he represents. -<
Before irreparable damage is done
by way of financial contributions, pub-
lic Begin's behalf,
ntanifestations in
and the creation in Palestine of tha
impression that a large segment "of •
America supports Fascist elements in
Israel, the American public must be
informed as to the record and objec-
tives 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 free-
dom, democracy and anti-imperialism,
whereas until recently they openly
preached the doctrine of the Fascist
state. actions that the ter-
It is in its
rorist party betrays its real character;
from its past actions we can judge
what it may be expected to do in the
future.
Attack oa Arab Village
A shocking example was their be-
havior 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 thoir 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 inhabi-
—
tants 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 com-
munity was horrified at the deed, and
ike 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 the foreign correspond-
all
ents present in the country to view the
heaped corpses and the general havoc
at Dein Yassin.
The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies
the character and actions of the Free-
dom 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 cor-
porate 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 popula-
tion 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
Thediscrepancies between the bold
claims now being made by Begin and
his party, and their record of past per-
formance 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 forefeoing consid-
erations, it is imperative that the truth
about Mr. Begin and his movement be-
made known in this country. It la all
themore tragic that the top leadership
of American Zionism has refused to
campaign against Begin's efforts, 01
even to expose to its own constituents
the dangers to Israel from support ft)
Begin.
The undersigned therefore take thi*
means of publicly, presenting a few
salient facts concerning Begin and hit
party; and of urging all concerned not
to support this latest manifestation ot
fascism. -
Isidore abeamowitz, Hannah abendt,
abraham brick, rabbi je8b urun
CARDOZO, {ALBERT ElNSTEml HER-
MAN ElSEN, AL D., HAY1M FINE-
man, M. Gallen, M. D.,H. H. Har-
ris, Zeuo S. Harris, Sidney Hook,
fred karush, bruria kaufman,
irma l. undheim, nachmak
Majsel, Seymour Melman, Myeb
d. mendelson, m. d., harry |£
Orunsky, Samuei> Fitlick, frits
rohruch, louis p. rocker, ruth
sageb, itzhak sank0w8ky, 1. j. ,
, SCHOENBEBQ, SAMUH*.SHUMAN, M.
..Zngbb, irma Wolfe, stkfajt
New,Toric.r)eo.^ija8rV ;\ * *
