Creation of the State of Israel, 1948Menorah
This menorah (left) was presented to President Truman on his birthday on May 8, 1951. The 1767 bronze menorah is from the Synagogue of Buergel, near Frankfort-on-the-main, Germany. A Hanukka type for eight candles with "shammash" (servant) in the center, crowned by the double-headed Eagle of the old German Imperial Reich. The menorah is the official emblem of the State of Israel. Its shape is said to have derived from the plant known in antiquity by the name "Moriah." The olive branches surrounding the menorah represent the Jewish people's yearning for peace.
The photographs (below and right) show President Truman meeting on May 8, 1951 with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion of Israel and Abba Eban. They presented the menorah as a token of esteem for President Truman's timely recognition of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.
(left to right: Truman, Ben Gurion, Eban)
(left to right: Truman, Eban, Ben Gurion) |
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