Against Our Better Judgment: The Hidden History of How the U.S. Was Used to Create Israel by Alison Weir is a meticulously researched examination of the political maneuvering and lobbying efforts that led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The book challenges the conventional narrative by highlighting how American political Zionists influenced U.S. foreign policy, often against the advice of seasoned diplomats and military experts.
The Genesis of Zionist Influence in the U.S.
The roots of Zionist influence in the United States trace back to the late 19th century. By 1897, Theodor Herzl had convened the First Zionist World Congress, marking the formalization of political Zionism. In the U.S., figures like Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis and his associate Felix Frankfurter played pivotal roles. Brandeis, in particular, was instrumental in recruiting young lawyers to champion Zionist causes, often through clandestine organizations such as the Parushim, a secret society dedicated to Zionist objectives.
The Balfour Declaration and Its Aftermath
During World War I, Zionist leaders negotiated with the British government, leading to the 1917 Balfour Declaration. This document expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. In exchange, Zionist leaders promised to mobilize American Jewish support for the Allied cause, thereby securing U.S. involvement in the war.
The U.S. Decision to Support the Creation of Israel
Despite warnings from U.S. officials like Secretary of State Dean Acheson, who cautioned that creating Israel on land already inhabited by Palestinians would "imperil" American and Western interests, President Truman supported the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine . Weir argues that this decision was heavily influenced by a powerful Zionist lobby that utilized its influence to shape American foreign policy, often sidelining the best interests of the United States.
The Displacement of Palestinians
The establishment of Israel led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who were forced to flee their homes and become refugees. This has created a long-standing humanitarian crisis and a source of ongoing regional conflict.
The Rise of the Israel Lobby
Weir delves into the evolution of the Israel lobby in the United States, highlighting how Zionist groups organized campaigns, established committees, and launched political and public relations offensives to garner support for their cause. These efforts were aimed at key sectors of American society, including Congress, the media, and academic institutions, to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions.
Suppression of Dissenting Voices
The book also examines how dissenting voices within the U.S. government and media were marginalized or silenced. Officials who opposed the creation of Israel on strategic grounds faced career repercussions, and journalists who reported on the Palestinian perspective were often discredited or ostracized. Weir provides examples of how the Zionist lobby effectively suppressed criticism and maintained a narrative favorable to their objectives.
The Legacy of U.S. Support for Israel
Weir argues that the U.S. decision to support the creation of Israel has had far-reaching consequences, including undermining America's credibility as an honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This has contributed to anti-American sentiment in the region and has made it difficult for the United States to play a neutral role in peace negotiations.
Reception and Impact
Since its publication in 2014, Against Our Better Judgment has sold over 50,000 copies and has been praised by various experts and former U.S. officials. Ambassador Andrew Killgore described the book as "prodigiously documented" and commended Weir for shedding light on the relationship between the United States and Israel . Senator James Abourezk called it "a must for all Americans," emphasizing its importance in understanding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Conclusion
Alison Weir's Against Our Better Judgment offers a critical perspective on the historical events that led to the creation of Israel and the role of U.S. foreign policy in that process. By highlighting the influence of the Zionist lobby and the suppression of dissenting voices, Weir provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to comprehend the historical context of one of the most contentious issues in international relations.
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