Vice President Truman's Speech at the Annual Passover Service of the Jewish Welfare Board
3/26/1945
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Vice President Harry S. Truman gave this speech during the annual Passover service at the Jewish Welfare Board during World War II. It was broadcast from Washington, DC, "to the Jewish men and women" in the Armed Forces.
Transcript
TO BE RELEASED ON DELIVERYSpeech of the Honorable Harry S. Truman
Vice President of the United States
Annual Passover Service
National Jewish Welfare Board
Broadcast to the Jewish Men and
Women in the Armed Forces
From Washington, D. C.
Columbia Broadcasting System
Broadcast time 5:00 to 5:30 PM E.W.T.
March 26, 1945
Since biblical times, people of the Jewish faith have made great contributions to the moral code of mankind. From the revelation of the Ten Commandments by Moses to the philosophical teachings of modern Jewish scholars, there has been a constant search for a better way of life for the benefit of all. It was the Hebrews who first fought the worship of pagan idols in the western world and who preached eternal faith in one God [underlined] -- the God in whom we all put our trust.
This evening, as the Passover begins, all God-fearing people can well join with those of the Jewish faith to thank the Almighty for the many blessings received. Already millions of people, recently held in bondage in Europe, Asia and Africa, have been liberated by the forces of freedom. Although this tragic world-wide conflict still continues to demand a heavy toll in lives and wealth, gratifying progress has been made toward the all-essential goal -- complete victory!
In view of the evil objectives of our enemies, it is especially fortunate that righteousness will triumph. Today the Angel of Death is again passing over the homes of modern tyrants. If the dignity of every man is preserved, the moral principles, for which the United Nations fight, must survive. Ultimately all [underlined] people must be led out of bondage.
Having suffered persecution for centuries, the Jewish people steadfastly adhered to their ancient faith -- the faith which gave them courage and fortitude to withstand man's inhumanity to man. Furthermore, the Jews were frequently in the vanguard of the fight to aid other oppressed minorities.
All who insist upon fighting for ideals, be they religious or political, must suffer at some time for the intolerance and bigotry of bitter opponents. Yet nothing of lasting value can be achieved or retained without paying a price in one form or another.
It has well been said that "The price of liberty is constant vigilance". We Americans must indeed be constantly vigilant to preserve the many benefits which can be enjoyed only by a free people, who respect the rights of every individual.
It is sad to realize that the tragic world conflict still raging around the globe was started by a man whose hatred for a race became such an obsession that he refused to treat these people as human beings. Not satisfied with persecution and discrimination, Hitler, according to his own bitter words, finally sought to exterminate the entire Jewish race. To pace the way for his plans for world domination, the German dictator deliberately sought to make a scapegoat of the Jewish people. Little did he reckon with the courage and endurance of a race hardened by centuries of oppression, and strengthened by a firm faith that ultimately another Moses must come to lead them out of their modern bondage and into the Promised Land.
The Gentiles also seek a Promised Land, where intolerance and bigotry do not exist. The entire world reams of a Promised Land, with peace and security, where all good people can dwell together in harmony as brothers. This cannot be achieved by bitterness and hatreds, but requires rational planning and general education.
It is not accidental that the most ignorant are frequently the most intolerant. It is not a coincidence that the greatest teachers in history were among the most tolerant. General educations, however, is a long and endless process. In the meantime, men of good will must work together for the promotion of racial and religious harmony among all people, so that we may ultimately achieve the Promised Land on this earth which our Creator surely expects.
As the Passover begins, and Eastertide approaches, all Americans should give thanks for the many special blessings which we enjoy. All people should reverently pray for a lasting pease for the ultimate benefit of all humanity.
This primary source comes from the Collection HST-SVP: Harry S. Truman Papers as U.S. Senator and Vice President.
National Archives Identifier: 28728320
Full Citation: Speech of Vice President Harry S. Truman, Annual Passover Service, Jewish Welfare Board; 3/26/1945; Press Release File March 26, 1945 - Jewish Welfare Board (CBS), Washington, D.C.; Speech Files, 1935 - 1945; Collection HST-SVP: Harry S. Truman Papers as U.S. Senator and Vice President; Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, MO. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/truman-passover-speech, April 25, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.