Menahem Begin’s Speech and the Mizrahi Turn to Likud
Menahem Begin
1981
Credits
Israel’s socialist Alignment (Labor Party/Mapai) ruled from 1948 to 1977, earning resentment from many Mizrahim for policies and attitudes that marginalized their community and disrespected their religious traditions. Opposition leader Menahem Begin of the right-wing Likud Party embraced Jewish identity and tradition, appealing to disaffected Mizrahim. His message of unity and respect helped fuel Likud’s stunning 1977 victory and forged a durable Mizrahi-Likud alliance that continues to shape Israeli politics.
What emotions do you think this speech evoked for Mizrahim in the audience?
Why do you think Begin decided to refer to those particular soldiers toward the end of the clip?
Does anything strike you as particularly “right wing” about this speech, or could it have come from any sort of political party?