President Harry Truman became a strong supporter of Israel, forging a unique alliance
Fifty-one Years Ago, a President Who Defied Expectations
On December 26, 1972, the world lost an extraordinary leader. Harry S. Truman, known for his surprising presidency, passed away at the age of 88. Even in his later years, Truman remained remarkably fit, often leaving journalists struggling to keep up with him on his morning walks. But Truman’s legacy extends far beyond his physical fitness. He was a principled individual who was willing to adapt and take courageous stands on the issues of his time.
When Truman first entered the U.S. Senate in 1934, he was considered an average Southern politician. However, his leadership of the Truman Committee during World War II propelled him to national prominence. The committee, which focused on reducing waste and inefficiency in wartime contracts, earned Truman respect and admiration across the country. In Steve Drummond’s new book, “The Watchdog: How the Truman Committee Battled Corruption and Helped Win World War Two,” he writes:
“Remarkably, (Truman’s) committee is run honestly, it’s partisan. It’s very careful to get the facts straight. It’s not grabbing headlines or trying to make Truman into some kind of cult figure… And by doing all that, he ends up being a pretty respected, extremely popular public figure and slowly rises to the top of people who the Democratic leaders are looking for who would join Franklin Roosevelt on the ticket in 1944.”
Truman’s commitment to integrity and his ability to adapt to new challenges set him apart. As the Allied forces closed in on the Nazi stronghold in Europe after the Normandy landings, the fate of the Jewish people became a pressing issue. While many leaders, including President Roosevelt, were aware of the extermination of millions of Jews, political expediency and lingering antisemitism prevented meaningful action. It was in this context that David Ben-Gurion, the future Israeli prime minister, spoke out against the silence surrounding the Jewish people’s suffering:
“What have you done to us, you freedom-loving peoples, guardians of justice, defenders of the high principles of democracy and of the brotherhood of man? What have you allowed to be perpetrated against a defenseless people while you stood aside and let it bleed to death, without offering help or succour, without calling on the fiends to stop, in the language of retribution which alone they would understand. Why do you profane our pain and wrath with empty expressions of sympathy which ring like a mockery in the ears of millions of the damned in the torture house of Nazi Europe?”
In the 1944 U.S. presidential election, Truman, a “southern” senator from Missouri, was chosen as Franklin Roosevelt’s running mate. Little did anyone know that Truman would go beyond party and cultural expectations to address the pain of Europe’s “torture house.” When Roosevelt passed away the following year, Truman became the 33rd president of the United States.
Truman’s connection to my own family is a testament to his complex identity. We referred to him as ”Uncle Harry” long before he represented Uncle Sam. Our family was divided by the Civil War, with some fighting for the North and others for the South. My great-great-grandfather, a cousin of Truman’s mother, fought for the North. However, the divide between our Southern Baptist and Northern Baptist relatives persisted for generations. Truman was seen as part of the “slave-holding” Youngs, and the southern Democrats who supported his candidacy in 1944 expected him to uphold their viewpoints and values.
But Truman defied expectations. He was outspoken and opinionated throughout his political career, earning the slogan “Give ’em hell, Harry!” during his presidential campaign. Truman believed in moral principles and had a keen sense of right and wrong. His commitment to honesty and integrity was evident in his actions, from his service in World War I to his role in saving billions of dollars through the Truman Committee during World War II. Truman’s decision to desegregate the armed forces marked a significant step towards dismantling prejudice in the United States.
One of Truman’s most notable achievements was his firm stance against antisemitism. In 1948, Truman made the historic decision to recognize the new country of Israel, despite opposition from his closest collaborators and friends. Truman’s choice was driven not only by his personal connection to the Jewish people but also by a desire to establish a liberal democratic nation in a region where such values were scarce. His decision was met with opposition from many countries, but it laid the foundation for Israel’s right to exist and provided a homeland for the Jewish people.
Truman’s recognition of Israel was not universally appreciated at the time, but his actions have secured him an immortal place in Jewish history. His steadfast support and courageous decision continue to be celebrated. As Ben-Gurion reflected on his encounter with Truman years later, he described a deeply moved former president who had made an indelible impact:
“At our last meeting, after a very interesting talk, just before [Truman] left me – it was in a New York hotel suite – I told him that as a foreigner I could not judge what would be his place in American history; but his helpfulness to us, his constant sympathy with our aims in Israel, his courageous decision to recognize our new state so quickly and his steadfast support since then had given him an immortal place in Jewish history. As I said that, tears suddenly sprang to his eyes. And his eyes were still wet when he bade me goodbye. I had rarely seen anyone so moved. I tried to hold him for a few minutes until he had become more composed, for I recalled that the hotel corridors were full of waiting journalists and photographers. He left. A little while later, I too had to go out, and a correspondent came to me to ask, ’Why was President Truman in tears when he left you?'”
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How did Truman’s willingness to make tough decisions, such as the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reflect his leadership style and principles
Commitment to international cooperation and the establishment of the United Nations. In the aftermath of World War II, Truman recognized the need for a global organization that could prevent future conflicts and promote peace. He played a crucial role in the creation of the UN, which has since become a vital forum for international cooperation and diplomacy.
Truman’s presidency was also marked by his decisive actions during the Cold War. He confronted the threat of communism and took a strong stance against the Soviet Union. Truman’s implementation of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the Berlin Airlift demonstrated his commitment to containing the spread of communism and supporting countries in their efforts to resist it. These bold initiatives helped shape the course of the Cold War and laid the foundation for America’s global leadership in the decades that followed.
Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, Truman remained steadfast in his beliefs and leadership. He was known for his plain-spoken style and his willingness to make tough decisions. His decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, while controversial, was driven by his belief that it would help hasten the end of the war and save lives in the long run.
Truman’s presidency may not have been without its flaws or controversies, but his ability to defy expectations and make tough decisions is a testament to his character and leadership. He left a lasting impact on American society and foreign policy, and his legacy continues to shape our nation today.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Harry S. Truman, let us remember the importance of leadership that is guided by principles, adaptability, and the courage to make difficult decisions. Truman’s example reminds us that leaders can defy expectations and have a profound impact on the world around them. His commitment to integrity, honesty, and justice serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
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