Dvar HaMefaked HaElyon – “The Message of the Commander-in-Chief of the Irgun” – Menachem Begin’s “Declaration of Independence” Speech – Jerusalem, 6 Iyar 5708 – “The first day of our liberation from the yoke of British enslavement – Blessed is He who has sustained us and enabled us to reach this time. The State of Israel has been established, and it was established ‘only thus’: with blood, fire, a mighty hand, and an outstretched arm, with suffering and sacrifices, otherwise it could not have been established…”
This is the address of the Commander-in-Chief of the National Military Organization [Menachem Begin] to the people in Zion, broadcast on 6 Iyar 5708, May 15, 1948, on “Kol HaHerut, ” the Irgun’s radio station. Published by the National Military Organization in Eretz Israel – Jerusalem District, [1948]. This is a printed version of the speech delivered by Menachem Begin a day after the declaration of the State of Israel. In this speech, which serves as a form of “Declaration of Independence, ” Begin discussed the dissolution of the underground movement, the necessity for a strong and trained army – “Even after we win this campaign – and we will win it – supreme efforts will be needed to maintain our independence, to liberate our homeland…” He also spoke of the return to Zion and outlined the ideological foundations of the party he was about to establish – the Herut Movement.
8 pages, 23 cm. Stains. Good condition.
