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Little is known about the relationship between Harry S. Truman and Eddie Jacobson. Their friendship became a valuable contribution to the recognition of the State of Israel.
Eddie Jacobson, a haberdashery salesman and Harry S. Truman initially were bonded during World War I. They were put in charge of an army canteen, which prospered. After the war the two Missourians opened a haberdashery store in Kansas City, which was a success from 1919-1922. However, a depression at that time forced their store to close.
Both men were newly married and had to find a way to provide for their families. Eddie became a traveling salesman, while Harry became a politician. Although they both took different paths…their friendship never diminished.
History records the ascendancy of Harry to the presidency of the United States. In 1948, the United Nations were contemplating the recognition of a homeland for the Jewish people. Although the Jews had suffered the Holocaust…the world still wasn’t ready to see them settled in their biblical homeland.
Zionists were thwarted from expressing their desire for President Truman to recognize the country. He was adamant against being harassed by “These pushy Jews!” As a last resort, Jewish leaders appealed to Eddie Jacobson to intercede on their and the Jewish people's behalf. Hesitant at first to use his friendship with the President, Eddie finally agreed to visit the White House and after experiencing their first volatile argument, Harry with reservations, agreed to meet with the eminent scientist and Jewish leader, Chaim Weizman.
On May 18, 1948…Israel was welcomed into the world family of nations. It was ‘beshert’ that a friendship became instrumental in returning the Jewish people to their biblical homeland.
Mark Weston, author |