Description:

Ben-Gurion David

Ben-Gurion chastises the editor of Davar for writing about a matter so painful

 

Single page typed letter signed, 8" x 10.5," on letterhead of Office of the Prime Minister, with the embossed coat of arms of the State of Israel. Dated "August 21, 1952" and signed by David Ben-Gurion in Hebrew. The text is typed in Hebrew as well and will include a English translation by separate page. Near fine with expected folds and a faint paper clip stain.

An emotional letter by Ben-Gurion, chastising the newspaper "Davar' about their prominently-featured article "There are those who suspect the people at Davar-We demand an answer." Ben-Gurion's letter shows a plea to editor to cease their "painful" articles (as shown in full below):

 

"This is a surprising article, like several articles that preceded it, on the subject. Do you think that this poor and miserable state is capable of everything? Does it have unlimited means". Does it have an abundance of nurses? Does it contain within a profusion of hospitals? And are all the other - essential - needs fulfilled?

 

Could not a reader of "Davar" say: I demand an answer from the editorial board of Davar: Why are there no new poems by Bialik every day and review of what is happening in Israel and in the world. And instructions on how to take care of one's health and to find work and to get an education and to get married, and more?

 

Is this how a responsible and important newspaper should speak about a matter that is so painful? And I am writing this as a reader of "Davar" because this paper is dear to me. Will "Davar" become like "Maariv"?

 

At the time of this letter, Davar was a Hebrew language daily newspaper, founded in 1925. The paper was successful, and published several supplements, including Davar HaPoelet ([Female Worker's Davar, a women's paper), HaMeshek HaShitufi (Co-operative Economy), Davar HaShvua (Davar This Week) and Davar LeYeldim (Davar for Children), as well as the union newsletter Va'adken (Update). By 1950 it had around 400 employees and had an extensive distribution system. Although it is not clear what specifics were addressed in the article, what is apparent is that Ben-Gurion took offense to their journalism,  and noted "Do you think that this poor and miserable state is capable of everything?"

Born in Poland in 1886, David Ben-Gurion was Israel's first prime minister (1948-53, 1955-63) and defense minister (1948-53; 1955-63). It was Ben-Gurion who, on May 14, 1948, delivered Israel's declaration of independence. His charismatic personality won him the adoration of the masses, and, after his retirement from the government and the Knesset, he was revered as the "Father of the Nation." Ben-Gurion died in Israel in 1973.


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