Press Release nr98-80
Press Release · Tuesday, May 12, 1998
Washington, DC
Press ReleaseMay 12, 1998
Documents and Teaching Activities Related to the U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel Now Available Online from the National Archives
Washington, DC. . . The National Archives and Records Administration announces a new project in the Digital Classroom section of its Website. "The U.S Recognition of the State of Israel" presents a key press release and telegram from 1948, provides links to nearly one hundred additional related documents available from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, and offers suggestions for teaching activities that are correlated to the National Standards for History and the National Standards for Civics and Government. The URL is http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/lessons/us_recognition_of_israel/us_recognition_of_israel.html.
Fifty years ago this week, at midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. On that same date, President Harry S. Truman, on behalf of the United States, recognized the provisional Jewish government as de facto authority of the Jewish state. The very next day, May 15, 1948, the first day of Israeli Independence, Arab armies invaded Israel and the first Arab-Israeli war began.
The teaching activities encourage educators and students to analyze the documents and draw conclusions about American foreign policy and pursue additional research into the Arab-Israeli conflict.
"The U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel" is the latest in a series of Digital Classroom exercises that the National Archives and Records Administration produces for teachers and students on the Website. Other subjects covered include exercises about the building of the Lincoln Memorial, the War with Mexico, and Watergate. For a full listing, visit http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/teaching_with_documents.html.
For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.
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