In the spring of 1992, as Baroness Thatcher prepared tea in her London home, her conversation with Israeli diplomat and author Yehuda Avner turned to a subject of significant historical import: Menachem Begin. Just weeks after Begin’s passing, Thatcher expressed her admiration for him, despite her disagreement with some of his policies regarding settlements.
Begin’s Legacy as a Leader
Yehuda Avner advocated for Begin to be considered for another Nobel Prize, stating that he should be honored for his contributions to Israeli democracy. This claim piqued Thatcher’s interest, as she insisted that Israel was already famous for its strong democratic values. However, Avner pointed out that the state of democracy in Israel was precarious during pivotal historical moments, particularly surrounding its independence. He argued that Begin played a crucial role in averting civil war twice: before and soon after the establishment of the state.
During the tumultuous period leading up to independence, for instance, Begin famously ordered his fighters not to retaliate when the Hagana, a rival Jewish faction, turned over Irgun members to the British. He emphasized that the Jewish community’s internal strife needed to be resolved without bloodshed, a stance he reiterated passionately. His perspective was rooted in a historical understanding that self-inflicted hatred could lead to devastating outcomes, much like the tragic fate of the Second Temple.
A Turning Point in Israeli Politics
Avner noted that Begin’s refusal to engage in civil conflict had significant implications for Israel’s political landscape. After numerous electoral losses, Begin ultimately ascended to power, thereby allowing a new voter base, including Jewish immigrants from Arab and Asian nations with little political history, to participate in the democratic process. This decision enriched Israel’s parliamentary democracy and exemplified a commitment to inclusivity, a core tenet that should not be overlooked.
While Thatcher’s government was skeptical of Begin—viewing him as a potential warmonger—Avner’s recollections provide a nuanced understanding of his leadership style. Contrary to the caricature of a divisive leader, Begin consistently sought to bridge gaps within the Jewish community. His most profound declaration was that “a Jew should never hate another Jew,” a sentiment that highlighted his commitment to unity even amidst fierce political rivalries.
The Personal Touch in Avner’s Narrative
Born in Manchester, Yehuda Avner became a key figure in Israeli political life, serving as a speechwriter for several prime ministers. His experiences lend authenticity to his narrative, enriching our understanding of the political developments in Israel. In his writings, Avner conveys not just facts but emotions, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the lives and struggles of those who shaped modern Israel.
Avner’s reflections come alive as he recalls key historical moments, such as a conversation between Begin and then-President Jimmy Carter about the Holocaust and its lasting impact on Jewish identity. Begin’s passionate avowal that such horrors would never happen again adds a layer of personal stakes to his political decisions, emphasizing that leadership in Israel transcends mere policy—it touches the very core of a people’s survival.
As articulated in Avner’s acclaimed work, “The Prime Ministers,” the legacy of leaders like Begin continues to resonate in contemporary Israeli society. With elections approaching, the conversations that took place in Thatcher’s drawing room remind us that the foundations of Israeli democracy were built on complex choices, including the refusal to resort to violence for power.
Understanding these historical dynamics is imperative as Israel heads to the polls. The essence of Avner’s message underscores the intricate interplay between leadership, identity, and democracy, reinforcing the need for current and future leaders to remain faithful to Begin’s vision of unity and inclusivity.