Prior to serving such an esteemed role in the development of the Jewish State, Weizmann was a spokesman of the Zionist cause in England, where he helped to get the Balfour Declaration passed in November of 1917. This declaration then set the stage for the Mandate over Palestine which was given to England by the League of Nations in 1922.

As a leader of the World Zionist Movement, and then as Israel’s first president, Weizmann worked tirelessly for the Zionist cause.

He met with President Harry Truman in March of 1948, urging the American President to understand how important the establishment of the Jewish State was. This meeting, and his tireless campaigning undoubtedly helped America to vote for the creation of the Jewish State.

Weizmann was elected as the first President of the State of Israel in February of 1949 and was sworn in on February 16th in Jerusalem. Only four days later, on February 20th, he wrote a letter to President Harry Truman’s aid, Clark Clifford. In the letter, which the Shapell Manuscript Foundation is featuring as part of its “”Between the Lines”" program, he wrote,

“”Our mutual friend… has kept me informed of doings in Washington, and especially of your magnificent cooperation in many critical situations. In these days of struggle and readjustment we are desperately in need of understanding friendships, and it is good to know that we have in you a genuine friend of our cause. I assure you, and I wish you would in turn assure your great Chief, that we desire nothing but peace and amity with our neighbours, and that we have no aggressive designs on any of them. We shall always be mindful of the Biblical injunction: “”Zion will be rebuilt in Justice”".”"

He included a copy of his book, “Trial and Error” with the letter featured with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation and he signed off warmly by saying, “With kindest personal regards and best wishes.”

President Chaim Weizmann understood how pivotal America’s support had been in the establishment of the State, and he took the time on his first official day in office to make his appreciation understood.

This year is the centennial of Ronald Reagan’s birth. The 40^th president of the United States, Reagan was well known for his laid back attitude and his sense of humor, and his popularity has brought on many tributes and exhibitions in his honor, this year.

On Monday, July 4^th, a ten-foot statue of the smiling president was unveiled in London, with an inscription stating that Reagan “won the cold war without firing a shot.”

The Shapell Manuscript Foundation also honors the president’s memory with their five-month exhibition in Beverly Hills. The exhibition features original manuscripts, letters and photos that celebrate Reagan. In their recent “Between the Lines” exhibit, the foundation presented a letter written by General Custer, adding that Ronald Reagan was a self-appointed “Custer Buff” and would have loved to see some of his work firsthand.

It rains quite a bit in Malaysia, and is hot and humid most of the time.  Pack lightweight suits and shirts to stay comfortable, and bring along an umbrella.  Avoid wearing yellow, as this color is reserved for Malaysian royalty.  Women should bring knee-length skirts and long-sleeved shirts.  Pantsuits are frowned upon, as some offices will look negatively at this attire.  Adults don’t wear shorts in Malaysia, although jeans are acceptable for casual dress.

Malaysian culture makes it acceptable to ask questions that might be frowned upon in America.  Don’t be surprised if someone asks you about your marital status, your income, and other personal questions. Answer with dignity or find an appropriate way to avoid the subject; don’t look upset or annoyed, as this will cause the person to be embarrassed and that is a serious matter in Malaysia.