Begin Hits Back at His U.S. Critics

Prime Minister Menachem Begin had for weeks remained uncharacteristically silent in the face of mounting public criticism of his policies by prominent American Jews, but last week the Israeli leader spoke out. In an open letter to one of his most persistent critics, Leonard Fein, the editor of the U.S. Jewish monthly Moment, Begin said: "On matters that relate to the national security of this little nation in the land of Israel, please refrain from proffering advice, at least in public, within earshot of our enemies who conspire to do us evil."

Begin's reply was aimed at the growing number of U.S. Jews who have abandoned their traditional stance of public solidarity with Israel and have openly expressed dissent. The Prime Minister singled out Fein because Begin believed Fein had "organized" the 56 American Jewish leaders who put their names to a statement that was released early this month. (In May, the same document had been signed by 250 prominent Israelis.)

The statement, which was entitled "Our Way Is Not Theirs," attacked "extremists in the [Israeli] public and within the government guided by secular and religious chauvinism [who] distort Zionism and threaten its realization. They advance the vicious cycle of extremism and violence which nurture each other." It also appeared to be critical of Begin's insistence on establishing Israeli settlements in the Arab West Bank, a policy that some American Jews believe is a serious obstacle to peace in the Middle East.

Following the appearance of the statement of the "56," Fein was cited as saying in an interview that the statement had signified "a vote of nonconfidence in the present [Israeli] government by a significant segment of the American Jewish leadership." Fein's interpretation was disputed by five of the original American signers, who said that they were in full agreement with Begin "on most matters." Fein later wrote to Begin saying that he had not intended to criticize his person, only his policies.

In his rebuttal, Begin said: "I believe with all my heart that the land of Israel belongs to the whole Jewish people ... Hence, I have no objection to Jews who live in the Diaspora criticizing the government of the day." Nonetheless, he complained that he "found reason for surprise" that Jews abroad "did not exercise this right during the office of previous governments ... whereas in these days there are some Jews who feel they can bountifully indulge in this right."

Addressing Fein personally, Begin added: "There is a distinction between words of criticism and aggressive abuse. I permit myself to express astonishment that a man like you had to organize American Jews in order to publish a statement that lends--God forbid, not intentionally--comfort to those who gleefully declare, 'Look, the Jews of America are turning their backs on Israel.' " Begin's answer, aimed at closing ranks and muting public opposition, had the effect of calling further attention to the intra-Jewish disagreements. At the same time many Israelis and American Jews reacted positively to Begin's letter. Said the American Jewish Congress's director in Israel, David Clayman: "I thought Begin's letter was good. I'm quite sympathetic with the Prime Minister when he told Fein not to wash Israel's laundry in public." Fein made a conciliatory response, calling the Prime Minister's reply "very thoughtful." Rabbi Alexander Schindler, a former chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and a signer of the statement of the "56," made an effort to smooth over the recent quarrels. Said Schindler: "There is no closing of ranks behind Begin because there never was a break. There have been diverse views on specifics but there never has been a substantial erosion of support or break in unity behind Israel among American Jews." Still, there could be little doubt that the polemic would continue so long as Begin's government remained in power.

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