(1913-92) Israeli Political Leader. Born in Poland where he became a Zionist leader, Begin fled Poland after the German invasion and was arrested and held by the Soviets until 1941 when he joined the Free Polish Army. After being sent to Palestine he left the army and became Commander-In-Chief of the Igrun Zvai Leumi where he led a terrorist campaign. In 1948 he founded the Right Wing Herut Freedom Movement and was Chairman of the Herut Party, serving in the first three Knessets. When three Right Wing parties joined to from the Likud Party, Begin became its leader and in 1977 he ousted the Labor Party from power. A lifelong anti-Arab hardliner, as Prime Minister (1977-83) he attempted to seek peace and met with the Egyptians. After the Camp David Summit both he and Anwar Sadat were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. Many have felt that it was improper to give a former terrorist the Peace Prize. Sig.

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