WI: Einstein as President of Israel

[Mysterion]

Found htis at Wikipedia:

After the death of Israel's first president, Chaim Weizmann, in November 1952, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion offered Einstein the position of President of Israel, a mostly ceremonial post.[51] The offer was presented by Israel's ambassador in Washington, Abba Eban, who explained that the offer "embodies the deepest respect which the Jewish people can repose in any of its sons".[39]:522 However, Einstein declined, and wrote in his response that he was "deeply moved", and "at once saddened and ashamed" that he could not accept it

How would this have changed Israel's fortunes (if at all) had he accepted? Would a high profile and popular person like Einstein changed the early years of Israel in that position?

 

[Plumber]

He died in 1955, but I could see him making things difficult for Ben-Gurion w.r.t. the Lavon Affair.

 

[mcdo]

Einstein initially opposed the creation of an actual Jewish state, right? I think he preferred a mixed Jewish/Palistinian state that was not expressly "Jewish". Can anyone tell me what his views were around this time?

 

[Plumber]

Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not true that he did not accept because he was not a Zionist? I think any discussion of this would first have to discuss what would be different if he was a known Zionist, possibly lending support to the movement.

You could argue Einstein was kind of a Zionist. Einstein found patriotism and national identities in general to be odd concepts, but admitted he had a soft spot for the Jewish people. For Einstein, that's pretty good.

I imagine Einstein would be viewed much more poorly in the Islamic world. How is he viewed there today? My friend hates Truman solely because he recognized Israel (to be fair, said friend can be very, very, petty).

 

[Cook]

This question’s had more repeats than The Simpsons:

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=197325&highlight=Einstein

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=154649&highlight=Einstein

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=153955&highlight=Einstein

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=70702&highlight=Einstein

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=23027&highlight=Einstein

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=18061&highlight=Einstein

 

[Plumber]

Effects? This may ironically nip the Israeli nuclear program in the bud, given Einstein's views. It may also raise Israel's political prestige in the community of nations. Finally it may keep the USSR courting Israel longer: I'm not certain they had firmly picked a horse in the Middle East wars until Nasser came to power in 1954.

Maybe he would use the office as a platform to promote the causes he valued? Disarmament, socialism, etc etc. I don't know how he would handle the Palestinian issue, but I suspect it would be different than OTL.

IOTL there was tension between BG and Weizmann that went back a ways. BG had taken over the Congress leadership less than cordially, BG didn't even bother informing CW of government policy (not that he had to IMO). Yigal Allon did that against BG's wishes. Einstein wasn't political, and the job required a politician.

Einstein was a very charismatic figure, the prototype of the "good" scientist. He was hated by right-wingers for his liberal views, even among jews. I believe he would have given Israel a different direction, and not necessarily a bad one. His pacifism would not have gone very far, though.

An even bigger influence he might have had on the Arabs: Being the head of Israel (at least ceremoniously) might have made it impossible for an Arab to voice opinions similar to his. So the Arab world might be even more hostile towards liberal believes, democracy, scientists, jews, and so on, which might lead to more fundamentalism at an earlier time there.

These are basically the most interesting comments, besides Cook being in pretty much every thread

 

[Wolfpaw]

I suppose that if Einstein took over the position in a ceremonial capacity he may extend an olive branch towards the Arabs, or at least try to influence Israeli policy in that direction, probably through public speeches/appearances instead of in the backroom.

In fact, if Einstein is upset enough at how Israel is being run, he may step down, which would likely be a huge blow to the Israeli government's image.

 

[Plumber]

In fact, if Einstein is upset enough at how Israel is being run, he may step down, which would likely be a huge blow to the Israeli government's image.

Oooh, that sounds good. Anything in particular that would outrage him enough?

 

[Gwax23]

The president of israel is an entirely ceremonial position. He would have little influence in government policy. He would be a figurehead.

Also Einstein was a strong supporter of the Zionist cause. He would not work against the State of Israel goals.

He would simply be a good PR figurehead.