President Harry S. Truman and Israeli President Dr. Chaim Weizmann. Truman is holding a blue velvet mantle embellished with the Star of David. The mantle was a gift symbolizing Israel's gratitude for American recognition of and support for the new nation.

This menorah was presented to President Truman on his birthday on May 8, 1951. The 1767 bronze menorah is from the Synagogue of Buergel, near Frankfort-on-the-main, Germany. A Hanukka type for eight candles with "shammash" (servant) in the center, crowned by the double-headed Eagle of the old German Imperial Reich. The menorah is the official emblem of the State of Israel. Its shape is said to have derived from the plant known in antiquity by the name "Moriah." The olive branches surrounding the menorah represent the Jewish people's yearning for peace.

President Truman meeting on May 8, 1951 with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion of Israel and Abba Eban. They presented the menorah as a token of esteem for President Truman's timely recognition of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. (left to right: Truman, Ben Gurion, Eban)

President Truman meeting on May 8, 1951 with Prime Minister David Ben Gurion of Israel and Abba Eban. They presented the menorah as a token of esteem for President Truman's timely recognition of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.