Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel

(Hardback)

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Harry S. Truman sensed something profound and meaningful in the Jewish restoration to Palestine, something which transcended other considerations. As the president recorded in his Memoirs, the Palestine question was "a basic human problem". In the end, Truman was willing to go against the current of his most trusted foreign policy advisers, who were absolutely opposed to the establishment of a Jewish state in the Middle East. These advisers argued that however humanitarian a Jewish homeland might seem, such a proposition posed a real risk to American interests in the Near East and to United States national security in the late 1940s. Despite their continued opposition, Truman stood his ground and maintained that he would decide the entire issue based on what he thought was right. Of interest to historians, and students of Israel and of the US presidency.

Reviews

"A worthwhile and interesting book which makes a strong case for Harry S. Truman's moral considerations in deciding to recognize Israel. Benson's research and writing are exemplary."-Robert Dallek, Professor Emeritus, UCLA author of The American Style of Foreign Policy: Cultural Politics and Foreign Affairs
"An absolute winner. Besides excellent research and lively readibility, Michael Benson's book is a wonderful primer of practical politics as seen through the life and career of Harry S. Truman, among the most powerful decision makers in the history of politics. Truman himself would be proud of Benson's down-to-earth and straightforward discussion."-Ted Wilson, Director Hinckley Institute of Politics, University of Utah
"Benson has blended the best of political and historical research skills in this work....In clear and lucid writing, [he] makes a powerful argument that neither raison d'etat nor the exigencies of domestic politics are adequate to explain President Harry Truman's decision to recognize Israel."-From the Foreword by Stan A. Taylor Professor of Political Science, Brigham Young University
"Benson's enthralling narrative captures the drama of high politics while richly portraying the human greatness of Harry Truman. A salutary work which will enlighten and move the reader."-Noah Lucas, Emeritus Fellow Oxford Centre for Hebrew & Jewish Studies
"Michael Benson shows the relevance of religion and moral principle to the shaping of an American foreign policy."-Daniel Walker Howe Rhodes Professor of American History, University of Oxford
Benson has done very thorough research, and he does indeed prove Truman's lifelong dedication to the Bible, as well as his morality....What is most notable about this book is its total pro-Israel orientation.-Journal of Palestine Studies
"Benson has done very thorough research, and he does indeed prove Truman's lifelong dedication to the Bible, as well as his morality....What is most notable about this book is its total pro-Israel orientation."-Journal of Palestine Studies

Author Bio

MICHAEL T. BENSON is President of Snow College. /e