Immediately after the riots of 1929, AZR admits that he understands the rage and the verse of vengeance ("Happy shall he be who takes and dashes…"), yet notes that "the children of Israel… in practice have never arrived at such a measure of vengeance." True heroism is of another kind:
"We must summon supreme heroism to live, and precisely here in our native land… to rebuild what they have destroyed and to add to it more and more… Supreme heroism is required of us — to love every being created in the image of God." AZR, "Supreme Heroism" (Davar, 28 Av 5689/1929), Ben-Yehuda read/44033.
And above all — this is the heart of the article — his refusal of sweeping hatred, even after a massacre:
"And hatred of peoples, too, we shall remove from our hearts. We shall always remember with gratitude the righteous among the nations who defended us and even risked their lives for us. Not all the Christians and not all the Muslims are guilty of our calamity… 'If I find in Sodom ten righteous men, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' This is the measure of Abraham, father of lovingkindness and mercy." Ibid. (Compare "Morality, the Sanctity of Life.")
In the very midst of the days of 1929 ("the loss of about one hundred and seventy souls"), while agitators inflamed every side, AZR points to the quiet way of the Working Youth — not vengeance but building. He quotes the young people's song in BaMa'aleh:
"Scorn to the wicked, to the rioting hand! / The robber's dagger will not deter us, / We shall not break out in wailing and lamentation, / Nor with vengeance shall we still our blazing fury — / We are for labor, for labor, for defense and for peace." Quoted by AZR, "Go and Learn!" (Davar, Elul 5689/1929), Ben-Yehuda read/44039.
And this, AZR concludes, is the human task in the world: "labor, defense, and peace." Despite the hardship ("no warm coat, the shoes torn, the bread ration meager… and God forbid to budge or flee"), the young people "hold firm and continue to work together." "Happy is the people for whom it is so!"
On the memory of Tel Hai AZR writes that there is no need to command it — it is "inscribed in our hearts as a remembrance never to be erased." The young will follow the path of the heroes. And alongside the hope of peace, the honor of defense:
"All we desire… is that they let us do our honest work… in peace and friendship with our neighbors of the other peoples. But if, God forbid, we are put to the test, let the whole world know that we are not 'sheep led to the slaughter,' but know also how to stand in battle to defend ourselves and the honor of our people." AZR, "A Memorial for Generations" (BaMa'aleh, Adar 5691/1931), Ben-Yehuda read/44040.
In all three articles AZR holds both poles together: the honor of defense ("not sheep led to the slaughter") on the one hand, and the refusal of hatred and vengeance ("to love every being created in the image of God," "the righteous among the nations") on the other. His formula: "labor, defense, and peace." Even after a massacre — not to lose the divine image. This is "supreme heroism."