***** SPDF Day 38: Einstein NYT Letter (images, Deir Yassin, and text) - "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 following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvini«t 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 ..."

New Palestine Party Visit of Menachen Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed

To the Editor or The New York Times : Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our time 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, chauvini«t 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 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 move- ment he represents. Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, pub- lic 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 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 free­dom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the ter- rorist 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 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 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 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 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 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 cor­porate unions on the Italian Fascist model. During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the 1ZL and Stem 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 The discrepancies 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 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, o» 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 ElNSTEINTI HER­MAN Eisen, M. d., Hayim Fine- MAN, M. GALLEN, M. D., H. H. HAB*. Ris, Zeliq S. Harris, Sidney Hook, FRED KaRUSH, BRURIA KAUFMAN, IRMA L. LlNDHElM, NACHMAK Majsel, Seymour Melman, m:yer D. Mendelson, M. D., harry m. Orunsky, Samuel Pitlick, frit* Rohruch, Louis P. Rocker, ruth Sager, Itzhak Sankowsky, I. J. , SCHOENBERG, SAMUEL. SHU MAN, M. Znger, Irma Wolpb, stkfajt WOLfB. “ 'vjL:                                                         ^ New York. Deo. %