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The establishment of the State of Israel in 1947 and its subsequent recognition by the United Nations has often been attributed to various factors. This report aims to shed light on the significant influence of Christian Zionism, particularly within the Evangelical Christian community in the United States, on the support for the partition of Palestine and the creation of a Jewish state in the Arab-settled Middle East.
Evangelical Christianity and its Beliefs
Evangelical Christianity, also known as evangelical Protestantism, is a global interdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity. With over 50 million adherents in the United States alone, accounting for approximately 25% of the Christian population, Evangelicals place emphasis on personal conversion, the authority of the Bible as God’s revelation, and the dissemination of the Christian message.
Harry S. Truman and the Role of Christian Zionism
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States (1945-1953), played a pivotal role in supporting the United Nations Resolution 181 in 1947, which called for the partition of Palestine. Truman’s decision to back this resolution, despite his initial reservations about the Zionist movement and its proponent, Chaim Weizmann, can be attributed to his alignment with Christian Zionism.
Christian Zionism’s Influence on Truman
Truman’s personal beliefs as a Christian Zionist greatly influenced his stance on the partition plan. While he may not have been naturally inclined to support it, Truman was persuaded by his former business partner, who was involved in the Evangelical Christian Zionist movement. This decision, made by a prominent world leader, held significant sway over other UN member states at the time, leading to broader support for the partition.
Evaluating the UN Vote and Christian Zionist Influence
It is important to contextualise the UN vote in 1947, considering there were only 33 votes in favor of the resolution. At present, with 195 UN member states representing the global community, this number seems relatively small. However, the influence of the Evangelical Christian Zionist movement, both then and now, cannot be overlooked. It has played a substantial role in shaping international support for the State of Israel.
Conclusion
The establishment of the State of Israel was influenced by various factors, one of which was the significant impact of Christian Zionism. The support of influential figures like Harry S. Truman, driven by their alignment with Evangelical beliefs, contributed to the adoption of the United Nations Resolution 181. Recognising this historical context is crucial to understanding the dynamics that led to the creation of the modern State of Israel.
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Hans Stehling (a pen name) is a regular contributor to Global Research.
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