Eban & Begin.

This is coolbert:

 Here is an interesting story that may or may not be germane to the stories about Kerry and Bush and their military records. It is indicative of how some people can hold grudges against persons in high places concerning things that happened decades earlier.

The recently deceased Abba Eban [Aubrey Solomon] of Israel can lay a claim to being one of the most remarkable persons of the twentieth century.

A scholar/polyglot [could speak ten languages]/diplomat/Foreign Minister/politician/Zionist/founding father of Israel [one among many]. A man of many talents. Ably represented his country of Israel on the international scene for decades.

In the early seventies, Eban was being interviewed on U.S. television. And he was asked about how he felt regarding the world-wide hunt for Nazi war criminals still in hiding. Nazis responsible for the slaughter of millions of Jews during the Second World War [WW2]. And Eban replied something to the effect that:

"I am not really interested in pathetic old men in hiding in Chile or Argentina. I am interested in the here and now and in the future for my country Israel. That is what I am interested in. Those people [Nazi criminals] are of no interest to me."

And this comment, an off-handed remark probably stating his true feelings, set off a firestorm of abusive criticism in Israel directed at Eban.

Criticism of such a hateful nature that it surprised a lot of people with the vehemence with which it was carried out. Particularly harsh were the comments of Menachem Begin, later to become Prime Minister of Israel [it should be noted that Begin was a foe of Eban in the Israeli parliament]. Begin said to the effect:

"Who is this man to criticize those that want justice by seeing Nazi war criminals brought to justice? After all, THIS IS A MAN WHO SAT OUT THE WAR IN THE SAFETY OF A BRITISH MILITARY HEADQUARTERS [Begin is speaking about Eban here]."

And it is true. Eban did SIT OUT the war in a British military headquarters. He enlisted as a private in 1940 and served honorably and was mustered out at the end of the war as a Major. And he served, as you might expect, with his background, in military intelligence.

Here is an account of Eban's military service. Judge for yourself:

"Early in 1940, Eban joined the British Army as an intelligence officer. After a brief posting in Egypt, he began a period as a 'liaison officer of the Allied forces with the Jewish population in Jerusalem'. This was an unusual assignment. The British government in London and Jerusalem was administering Palestine in accordance with the 1939 White Paper. It was trying to limit the growth of the Jewish community there, and it prevented Jews from carrying weapons. At the same time, the British Army intelligence and Secret Operations agencies had the single aim of defeating Hitler. In this context, the Jewish people was its ally. The British secret service therefore trained Palestinian Jewish units to carry out resistance and sabotage, in case Palestine should fall to the Nazis."

Eban acted as the liaison officer between the Special Operations Executive and the (officially outlawed) resistance fighters in Jerusalem."

Eban was so surprised at the vehement response to his off-the-cuff comment that as I have said, probably reflected his true feelings, that he asked the then sitting Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir, to back him up on this issue of the Nazis. And to Eban's surprise, she did not. She DID NOT support him.

And what is the reasoning behind the emotional response [is that a contradiction, reasoning to an emotional outburst?] to the outbursts of those who criticized Eban? Well, he had not suffered. He had not been persecuted by the Nazis during the war.

 He served honorably but HE DID NOT SUFFER!!

Well, what was expected of him?

He was fighting in his own way, albeit not on the front lines exposing himself to danger.

Military Intelligence has never been considered anything but a sanctuary for "weenies" [persons adverse to exposing themselves to combat].

Is this a fair criticism?

I think not.

In all probability, Eban served in his own way and did so honorably, putting his skills to best use possible in the cause against the Nazis. The response to Eban was unfair and is an emotional one, perhaps understandable in some way, but still unfair. Eban did his part! What was expected of him! Have him turn himself over to the Nazis for mistreatment!!??

Evidently there is more here than meets the eye. In some Israeli circles Eban was not admired. Thought to be too haughty. There was another incident where Eban was criticized for being a "wuss". While attempting to find out why there was animosity between "European" Jews and "Oriental" Jews, Eban visited a housing project occupied by "Orientals". And it was noted that he brought bodyguards along with him. For protection. This was seen as a sign that the man was a coward. Afraid in his own mind of getting beaten up. Who knows??!!

coolbert.