Albert Einstein (1879-1955), outstanding German Jewish mathematician,
winner of the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics (for discovering the photoelectric
effect) and most famous for his special theory of relativity and general theory
of relativity. Initially pro-Zionist, Einstein was increasingly critical of the
fascist and racist nature of Zionist extremists such as Menachem Begin (see: Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein
)
Albert Einstein on racist Zionism, 1938: “Just one more personal word
on the question of partition. I should much rath-er see reasonable agreement
with the Arabs on the basis of living together in peace than the creation of a
Jewish state. Apart from practical consideration, my awareness of the essential
nature of Judaism resists the idea of a Jewish state with borders, an army, and
a measure of temporal power no matter how modest. I am afraid of the inner
damage Judaism will sustain--especially from the development of a narrow
nationalism within our own ranks, against which we have already had to fight
strongly, even without a Jewish state." [1].
Albert Einstein in a Letter with other scholars decrying Nazi-style Irgun
Zionists to the New York Times, 1948: “TO THE EDITORS OF 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.
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,
SEYMOUR MELMAN,
MYER D. MENDELSON, M.D.,
HARRY M. OSLINSKY,
SAMUEL PITLICK,
FRITZ ROHRLICH,
LOUIS P. ROCKER,
RUTH SAGIS,
ITZHAK SANKOWSKY,
I.J. SHOENBERG,
SAMUEL SHUMAN,
M. SINGER,
IRMA WOLFE,
STEFAN WOLFE.
New York,
Dec. 2, 1948." [2].
Albert Einstein’s letter about the Deir Yassin Massacre (1948): “ April 10.1948
Mr. Shepard Rifkin
Exec. Director
American Friends of the Fighters
for the Freedom of Israel
149 Second Ave.
New York
3,N.Y.
Dear Sir:
When a real and final catastrophe should befall us in Palestine the first responsible for it would
be the British and the second responsible for it the Terrorist organizations
build up from our own ranks.
I am not willing to see anybody associated with those misled and criminal
people.
Sincerely yours,
Albert Einstein.” [3].
[1]. Albert Einstein, “Our
Debt to Zionism”, 1938, quoted by David E. Rowe and Robert Schulmann (eds),
“Einstein on politics: his private thoughts and public stands on nationalism, Zionism,
war, peace, and the bomb”, Princeton University Press, 2007: http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8359.html
.
[2].
Letter by Albert Einstein and many other signatories to the New York Times, 4 December
1948, “New Palestine Party. Visit of Menachen Begin
and Aims of Political Movement Discussed”,. a letter to The New York Times,
published in the "Books" section (Page 12) of the New York Times, Saturday
December 4, 1948: http://www.archive.org/details/AlbertEinsteinLetterToTheNewYorkTimes.December41948
.
[3]. Albert Einstein’s letter about the Deir Yassin Massacre (1948) : http://www.ifamericansknew.org/history/ter-einstein.html
.
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