Einstein's 1948 Warning Against Fascism ✉️

In a letter to The New York Times on December 4, 1948, Albert Einstein, along with several other notable figures, condemned the actions and ideology of the Freedom Party (Tnuat Haherut) led by Menachem Begin. The letter described the party as closely akin to the Nazi and Fascist parties, highlighting its use of terrorism and misrepresentation. This public denouncement came amid Begin's visit to the United States, which was perceived as an attempt to gain American support for his party in the upcoming Israeli elections. Einstein and his co-signers urged the American public to be informed about the true nature of Begin's movement to prevent further support for what they saw as a fascist threat within Israel. This stance was part of Einstein's broader commitment to peace and his nuanced view on Zionism, where he supported a Jewish homeland but not at the cost of adopting nationalist and militarist policies contrary to the ethical principles he cherished.