THE HOLOCAUST IS OVER WE MUST RISE FROM ITS ASHES

you say, keep him in prison, how is it possible?Shapira: (pleading) I ask that we adjourn the session . . .The train was speeding to the gallows.Golda Meir: Commuting the sentence will demonstrate not superiority of theJewish people but inferiority of the Jewish people. No other people in the worldwould have shown such concern [forgiveness]. Such [forgiveness] is onlydemanded from the Jewish people. Jews and non-Jews make this demand . . .No one told them that they should demonstrate a deeper sentiment. Theydemand this only from us, because the world has not yet become accustomed toview Israel as [one of] the other nations. I am not ready to go with thephilosophers. We are not bloodthirsty. I only feel sad about one thing: that aJewish boy will have to do this, but it will be to his honor. I am against anythought of . . .My father has not spoken yet. Why are you silent? Talk to me from history.Ben-Gurion continues. The ministers discuss killing a gentile. What to do with thebody, and the ashes? And the burial? Who will witness the hanging?My father was still silent.Then my father, my biggest hero, appeared. He is a hero because, with restraintand self-discipline, he made a moral and political proposal of stunning dimensions, asit is stated in the minutes of the cabinet meeting of May 29, 1961.Yosef Burg: I understand that this is not a matter of formal vote. We are sittingand observing tendencies. These are also moments when a man faces his ownconscience, history, and should say his word. I want to say: I reflected a greatdeal on this matter, although this does not guarantee that I thought correctly . .. My opinion: The State of Israel has said what it had to say in the trial. It canafford to let the murderer die anew every day. I cannot raise the subject ofofficial pardon in this context. If this should be formally called amnesty . . .Ben-Gurion: Amnesty or commutation of sentence?Burg: . . . but not commutation either. [My father is looking for a third way. Notan execution and not a commutation. And therefore he rejects Ben Gurion’swords.] But there is a possibility for a suspension. That the sentence be