Description:

Menachem Begin ALS: "I am glad you … feel sympathy for our just cause" With Bonus Signed Martyrs FDC Stamps

A 1p autograph letter in English signed by Menachem Begin (1913-1992), then in his role as a member of the Knesset and the future 6th Prime Minister of Israel, as "M. Begin" at lower right. July 23, 1963. Jerusalem, Israel. On stationery with an Emblem of Israel depicting a menorah flanked by two olive branches printed at upper right. Expected wear including flattened folds, else near fine. 8.5" x 11." Accompanied by a bonus first day cover souvenir sheet of stamps commemorating the Olei Hagardom, signed by Begin along the lower edge as "M. Begin."

Menachem Begin wrote to an American Jew named Robert Cohen, in part:

"I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your letter. You will, I hope, forgive me the delay in answering it, caused by my preoccupation with various public affairs… I am glad you take interest in the history of our struggle and feel sympathy for our just cause…"

Begin served as a prominent member of the Herut, or "Freedom" party, a right-wing faction in the Knesset, from 1948-1965. Begin was referring to political activities when he explained that he had been engaged in "various public affairs." Begin would play a role in Israeli politics for over thirty years, eventually serving as Israeli Prime Minister between 1977-1983.

The first day cover souvenir sheet of stamps signed by Begin at bottom commemorates the "Martyrs of the Struggle for Israel's Independence." It consists of an interconnected block of twenty embossed stamps depicting Olei Hagardom, or "those who ascended to the gallows." N.d. but the stamp block was issued ca. 1982. The red flame cachet features the emblems of underground organizations like Lehi (two raised fingers) and Irgun (upraised rifle under castle battlements.) The stamp sheet is incorporated onto the face of an oversized envelope, with minor residue traces verso, else near fine. 9.875" x 7.25."

The original 12 members of the Olei Hagardom were Zionist activists and freedom-fighters who were either executed or committed suicide prior to execution during the British Mandate, from 1931-1947. Begin expanded this list to include additional martyrs once he became Prime Minister.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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