On May 14, 1948, David Ben Gurion declared the existence of the State of Israel and its independence. Shortly after the news arrived at Washington D.C., President Truman officially recognized the new nation, the United States being the first country to do so. Since then, Israel has been America’s only consistent friend and ally in the North Africa/Middle East region.
As most of us know, Israel was founded as a country to be a haven for Jews, who had been systematically, oppressed, and exterminated since the diaspora beginning in 70 A.D. At least in Europe that oppression was by Christians, notwithstanding their founder was a Jew. Israel’s neighbors, mostly Muslim, opposed the Jewish state from the beginning and, with several exceptions, have not let up for the past 77 years. The most recent atrocity was the October 7, 2023 wholesale murder and hostage taking by the Hamas terrorists from their base in the Gaza strip.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the Israeli leadership, understandably sick and tired of the attacks on their citizens. Have responded in kind, though hindered somewhat by the international community. Even, the United States under the prior Administration hedged its bets. One would hope the new one will give its wholehearted support to Israelis.
One lesson for those who deplore the suffering of Gaza inhabitants who are not Hamas is how the American and its allied forces, mainly British, World War II. German and Japanese civilians were subject to relentless bombing and destruction, collateral damage necessary to end the aggression. Neither country has troubled the world since.
We Americans should send birthday greetings to Israel. Someday, perhaps, it will be Happy Birthday.
