(First Prime Minister of the State of Israel, 1886-1973). Typed Letter Signed, in Hebrew on letterhead of the Prime Minister, to Prof. Yeshayahu Leibowitz (1903-94).

BEN-GURION, DAVID.

18th December

Jerusalem

1955

Concerning the moral dilemmas of universal idealism balanced with national security: “If I were given the choice of all human ideals on the one hand, and the security of the State of Israel on the other hand, I would choose the security of Israel.”

The outspoken public philosopher Yeshayahu Leibowitz had earlier written to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion of his concerns regarding loss of innocent life as a result of military operations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces. “I do not agree with you,” responds Ben-Gurion here, “While it is good there be a world full of peace, fraternity, justice, and righteousness, it is even more important that we be in it.” This short but powerful letter establishes the notion that a well-fortified Jewish State must dispose of its enemies no matter circumstantial variables. Ben-Gurion’s statement here was presumably felt to be so important that the letter is noted at the lower left corner: “cc: Foreign Minister Moshe Sharrett,” since the opinions expressed here by the Prime Minister would likely instigate a significant public debate.