A Safe Haven: Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel

by: Allis Radosh and Ronald Radosh

Published by: Harper

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

On May 14, 1948, the United States was the first nation to recognize the State of Israel, but this was hardly the beginning of the story. Since the end of World War II, the world found itself again embroiled—this time in the formation of a Jewish state.

What was to be done with the displaced persons, the Jews, in Europe? Home wasn’t an option, there was no, or little, home to return to. Many of the Jews were the only survivors of their families. Many weren’t welcomed into their homeland, which was still hostile territory. They were herded together in camps, and most only desired to gather and re-gather themselves in Palestine, to create a state of and by Jews, the only way to assure their decimation would never happen again. And there, at the helm of the United States, home of an influential Jewish population, was Harry S. Truman. With the triumph of WWII under his belt, the USA, and therefore he, was now a world leader. What hand would he play in the formation of this new Zion?

Full of detail and impeccable research, I can’t imagine how this book can be topped as a source on the subject. Frankly I’m concerned that I got some of my facts in this opening wrong as there was so much information to work with. (Please be forgiving.) Granted, I started the book with just the sketchiest of detail about the formation of the State of Israel, details I’d picked up from historical fiction, so anything would seem impressively covered, but I still think I’m correct.

Infinitely readable, full of suspense and yet marked with quotes and excerpts to remind you this really happened, A Safe Haven is everyman’s reader on the era. Well, maybe not every man’s, but Israel-friendly, proudly American readers will surely appreciate it.

Armchair Interviews says: Facts and details together created an impressive 5-star read.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DarinStrauss.com