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Celebrate Israel’s Independence: The New Jewish State - Recognizing Israel
“I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it -not just another sovereign...
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| “I had faith in Israel before it was established, I have in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it -not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.” — U.S. President Harry S. Truman |
| Since establishing the Simon Wiesenthal Center in 1977, Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean has met with the last 8 presidentsof the United States. While he never met President Harry Truman, he is especially proud to display this letter, discovered by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, proudly in his office. The letter, dated May 14, 1948, typed with notes in Truman’s hand, states: “This government has been informed that a Jewishstate has been proclaimed in Palestine, and recognition has been requested by the [provisional] government thereof. The United States recognizes the provisional government as the de factoauthority of the new Jewish state [State of Israel].” This letter is part of the Center’s acclaimed, 20-panel “Birth of Israel” traveling exhibit which has been shown oncampuses around the country, in capitol buildings, and on display in the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. |