In the grand tapestry of history, America has stood at the moral crossroads more than once. In those moments, true leadership is measured not by expedience or popularity, but by moral conviction shaped in the crucible of conscience. Seventy-seven years ago, President Harry Truman exemplified that resolve. And just this week, President Donald Trump has confronted a similar test with enormous stakes.

In May 1948, President Truman, recognized the new state of Israel minutes after Prime Minister David Ben Gurion read its declaration of independence. Despite stern warnings from his own State Department, Truman understood that his act transcended politics—it was a stand for justice, healing, and the biblical promise of restoration. His decision became the bedrock of the U.S.–Israel alliance and affirmed America’s commitment to what is right.

Truman faced formidable opposition to his decision. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, perhaps the most respected American of his generation, and the entire foreign policy establishment cautioned against recognition, arguing that recognizing Israel could destabilize the Middle East and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)