139. Menachem Begin. Booklet in Hebrew
containing Begin’s speech in the Knesset on the controversial subject of ‘Mihu Yehudi,’ 1970, 5.25 x 7.75, 16 pages, signed and inscribed on the front cover in Hebrew in black ink to writer Hillel Zeidman. In fine condition, with a few light creases and some writing to one page inside. ‘Mihu Yehudi’—translated, essentially, as ‘Who is a Jew?’—is a controversial but basic question about Jewish identity and considerations of Jewish self-identification. It is a source of disagreement between various branches of Judaism, where there are conflicting ideas about the validity of conversion, the effect of mixed parents, diasporic identity, and claims to Israeli citizenship. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
141. David Ben-Gurion.
Manuscript DS in Hebrew, one page, 5 x 6.75, circa 1961. BenGurion informs the family of Yitzhak Sharon that he has fallen in the line of duty on November 23, 1961. In very good condition, with moderate overall foxing. Born in Poland, Sharon came with his family to Israel in 1935. He had served with the British in World War II and was captured by the Nazis. Lieutenant Colonel Sharon later fought in the Sinai. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
While planning Israel’s invasion of the Sinai: “There are things that at the moment have to remain secret during this crucial period concerning the State of Israel” 140. David Ben-Gurion. TLS in Hebrew, one page, 6.25 x 7.75,
State of Israel letterhead, August 10, 1956. Letter to Eliezer Livne, a member of Ben-Gurion’s Mapai party who had served in the Knesset. In full (translated): “I am still not supposed to tell all that has recently happened between me as Prime Minister and my comrade Sharett. Maybe I have something to tell of which I am not ashamed. I am honored to take full responsibility for Israel’s foreign policy. There are things that at the moment have to remain secret during this crucial period concerning the State of Israel. So therefore, I cannot say words that summarize the situation and I cannot answer—your question.” In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds and two punch holes to the right side. On June 18, 1956, the New York Times reported Moshe Sharett’s resignation as foreign minister, which gave Ben-Gurion ‘a tighter grip on his Government’s reins,’ replacing ‘an official who was cautious and temporizing and who occasionally put a brake on the Premier’s daring ideas.’ Previously, Sharett mobilized cabinet votes that blocked Ben-Gurion’s proposals that the Israel Defense Forces capture the Gaza Strip or the Straits of Tiran. With this opposition lessened, Ben-Gurion’s military forces invaded Egypt on October 29 to begin the Sinai Campaign. A fascinating and somewhat mysterious letter in its allusions to state secrets and military machinations. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
48 | March 12, 2014 | NOTABLES