Shockingly Unknown: How Harry Truman Played a Pivotal Role in Founding Israel

A Historic Journey: Unveiling the Untold Story of Harry Truman and the Founding of Israel

When the United Nations proposed the Partition Plan for Palestine on November 29, 1947, tensions were high. The plan aimed to divide the region into separate Jewish and Arab states, each with their own administration. However, many countries, including the United States, were skeptical about the feasibility and implications of such a division.

Truman's Transformation: From Hesitation to Support

At first, Truman was hesitant about endorsing the partition plan. He worried about the political fallout it could bring domestically and internationally. However, a meeting with his longtime friend, Eddie Jacobson, changed his perspective. Jacobson, a Jewish supporter of the Zionist cause, passionately argued in favor of the partition and the establishment of a Jewish state.

A Safe Haven: Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel

by Allis Radosh (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2223 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages

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While Truman respected the views of his friend, he sought out the advice of various diplomats, including Clark Clifford. Clifford's comprehensive report on the situation was a turning point for Truman. It highlighted the moral and strategic reasons behind supporting the creation of Israel – a safe haven for Holocaust survivors and a potential ally in the volatile Middle East.

Truman Pushes for the Recognition of Israel

Against the advice of his own State Department, Truman decided to take a stand. There was immense pressure from other world powers, including the Soviet Union, as well as influential American Jews, to support the establishment of Israel. Truman, driven by his moral compass, forged ahead despite the political risks.

In the weeks leading up to the UN vote on the partition plan, Truman lobbied fiercely for other countries to support the creation of Israel. He engaged in intense diplomatic efforts and personally reached out to key leaders, including the British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the Soviet Ambassador Andrei Gromyko.

The Miracle of May 14, 1948

Finally, on May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence. Truman's unwavering support played a significant role in this historic milestone. He became the first world leader to officially recognize the new state of Israel, just eleven minutes after it was proclaimed.

Truman's decision faced immediate backlash. The Arab world fiercely opposed the establishment of Israel and condemned the United States for its support. The backlash wasn't purely international; there were also domestic ramifications. Truman faced criticism from his own political party and even threats to his presidency.

The Enduring Legacy of Truman's Decision

Truman's choice to support the founding of Israel had far-reaching consequences. The young state faced immense challenges and required international recognition to flourish. The American recognition provided Israel with a lifeline and legitimacy on the global stage.

Truman's unwavering stance forever transformed the United States' relationship with Israel. The bond between the two countries grew stronger over the years, leading to significant military, economic, and political alliances. Today, Israel is one of the strongest allies of the United States in the Middle East.

The Importance of Truman's Decision

Truman's bold support for the creation of Israel sent a powerful message to the world. It showed the United States' commitment to supporting freedom and self-determination, especially in post-war Europe and the Middle East.

Furthermore, Truman's decision paved the way for millions of Jewish immigrants who sought refuge and a fresh start in their ancestral homeland. The creation of Israel allowed countless Holocaust survivors to rebuild their lives and ensure the perpetuation of Jewish culture and heritage.

The Unforgettable Legacy of a Courageous Leader

Harry Truman's instrumental role in the founding of Israel remains a remarkable and often underrated chapter in history. Against political pressure and potential consequences, Truman stood firm in his conviction and changed the course of events forever.

Truman's legacy goes beyond his presidency; it represents the triumph of justice and humanity. His decision to support Israel's birth reflects the ability of great leaders to make difficult choices for the greater good.

So, the next time you think about Harry Truman, remember that he was not just a wartime president or the father of the Truman Doctrine. He was also the unsung hero behind the creation of a nation, Israel.

A Safe Haven: Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel

by Allis Radosh (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2223 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	466 pages

FREE

“[This] revelatory account of Truman's vital contributions to Israel's founding. . .is told. . . with an elegance informed by thorough research."
—Wall Street Journal

"Even knowing how the story ends, A Safe Haven had me sitting on the edge of my seat.”
—Cokie Roberts

A dramatic, detailed account of the events leading up to the creation of a Jewish homeland and the true story behind President Harry S. Truman’s controversial decision to recognize of the State of Israel in 1948, drawn from Truman’s long-lost diary entries and other previously unused archival materials.