Greg Fulton: The power of personal relationships and the birth of Israel

May 14 represents the 75th anniversary of Israel’s birth as a nation. It is a momentous time for a nation that many people gave little chance for success or survival.

Israel’s declaration of independence was controversial and received with little enthusiasm from many around the world, unwelcome by surrounding nations. While leaders of the fledgling republic made this proclamation, the legitimacy of the new nation hung in the balance. It is one thing to declare yourself a new country; it is another for others in the world to recognize and support you. Thus it was deemed essential by proponents of Israel that the United States recognize the new nation.

Following World War II, no other nation carried the prestige and power of the United States, the most powerful economic and military power in the world. Further, unlike many of the nations involved in the conflict, our homeland was largely untouched and did not require the level of reconstruction as other nations in Europe and Asia. U.S. recognition of Israel was viewed as being more important than any other nation, and it was believed that other nations would follow the United States’ lead.

While President Harry Truman had previously expressed support for the concept of a Jewish homeland, recognition of Israel as a country in 1948 was far from a sure bet.

For many major policies, leaders’ interactions with friends, family members, colleagues and religious guides have helped to shape history. This reflects a deep-held trust in those people who had been with them when they were not in a position of power, people who stood by them before they ran for office and will be there after they leave. These people also serve as a stark reminder of their roots and values.

Truman’s recognition of Israel represents one of the best examples of how personal relationships may impact major decisions.

As it became more apparent that Jewish leaders in Israel intended to declare independence, pressure mounted within his administration and in Congress, and from many world leaders, for him to not recognize the new state. Opponents were concerned about the impact this would have on relations with Arab nations in the region. They worried how supporting Israel could affect access to future business for U.S. oil companies as well as the availability of that oil. Finally they feared that it could result in a regional conflict and, with the end of WWII, few relished another confrontation.

While Truman had earlier signaled support for the idea of a Jewish homeland, supporters of Israel feared he might succumb to the pressure from opponents and they sought to counter it. As time drew close for a decision, supporters sought to get time with the president but were unable. Some of those opposed to recognizing Israel sought to limit access to the president from proponents.

Advocates for Israel turned to a man that they knew Truman trusted and would always provide time: Eddie Jacobsen, Truman’s lifelong friend who had been his partner in a haberdashery that failed. While Truman held various elected offices, Jacobsen never asked anything of him. Now the day had come when he did ask for a favor. He asked to meet with the President.

Jacobsen was Jewish and a passionate supporter of a Jewish homeland. He also was an admirer of Chaim Weizmann, who was championing Israel’s cause. Jacobsen asked him to meet with Weizmann, noting that he felt Weizmann was the greatest Jew who ever lived. The president gave in and said, “You bald-headed son of a bitch. You win. I’ll see him.” Two days later, Weizmann and Jacobsen were secretly shown into the Oval Office to meet with Truman. The meeting did not appear on the president’s schedule, nor were many aware of it.

The meeting was brief but enough to solidify Truman’s support. Shortly after that meeting, on May 14, only 11 minutes after hearing the news of Israel’s declaration of independence, Truman issued a statement that the U.S. recognized the state of Israel. The U.S. was the first nation to do so.

We are shaped by our experiences and relationships in life. Friends and family members as well as our earlier memories influence who we are and how we view issues. In the case of Israel, it was fortunate that a supporter just happened to be a good and trusted friend of Harry Truman.

Greg Fulton is a New Castle native living in Denver.