Albert Einstein Could Be A President! The Story of the Offer

According to SHAHEDNEWS, In fact, Einstein was offered the position of President of Israel, which is now at the center of a major controversy with global implications, But what would have changed if this genius had decided to engage more actively in politics?

A Scientist

We all know Einstein as a successful physicist. He developed the theory of general relativity, which is one of the two main pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His famous equation, E=mc², is one of the most well-known formulas in physics. One of the key applications of this formula is in the production of nuclear energy. Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect, which was essential to the theory of quantum mechanics. He published over 300 scientific papers and 150 non-scientific works, solidifying his reputation as a genius.

From Physics to Politics?

Despite Einstein’s undeniable scientific achievements, he never directly engaged in politics. So how was he offered the presidency of Israel? There has been much debate about Einstein’s views on Zionism and his relationship with Jewish identity.

In the early 1900s, Einstein seemed to have distanced himself from his Jewish heritage. He did not adhere to Jewish teachings or rituals, and he did not declare it as his religion in official documents.

Thoughts on Nationalism

Einstein was strongly opposed to nationalism, considering it the primary cause of the First World War, which left nearly 40 million dead. For this reason, he initially opposed the idea of creating a Jewish state.

In a letter to his fellow physicist Paul Ehrenfest, Einstein warned that at that time, Jewish nationalism was a "threat to becoming hostility and intolerance." He believed that internationalism was a way to achieve a more just and peaceful world.

It seemed that in letters to his academic colleagues, Einstein opposed the idea of "a Jewish state with its own army and borders," and he was concerned about the "limited nationalism" it could bring.

However, Einstein was deeply upset by the discrimination against Jews in Europe, especially when he learned that Jewish students were banned from attending his lectures in Berlin.

After moving to Berlin, Einstein stated in letters that the mistreatment of Jews was so unbearable that it prompted him to oppose such behavior and reconnect with his roots.

This led Einstein to gradually show signs of changing his views in support of creating a safe and harassment-free place for Jews, especially if this place allowed them to pursue education.

Trip to America

In 1921, another important event brought Einstein closer to the Jewish community, as Chaim Weizmann, a former chemist and president of the World Zionist Organization, arranged a trip for Einstein to the United States.

After British newspapers reported that the 1919 solar eclipse observations confirmed his theory of gravity, Einstein became an international star.

This trip, arranged by Weizmann, was intended to use Einstein’s fame to raise funds for the establishment of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Einstein, drawn to the idea of creating a place for his community to access education, accepted the invitation to travel.

Ultimately, the visit to the United States was less successful than Weizmann had hoped, raising only $750,000 instead of the expected $4 million.

Hebrew University

However, Einstein’s beloved project, the Hebrew University, was inaugurated in April 1925. His role in founding the university later influenced his consideration as a potential candidate for the presidency of Israel.

When Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Einstein was in the United States. As a Jewish person, he decided not to return to Germany and settled in the U.S. Einstein became a U.S. citizen in 1940 and continued his work at Princeton University.

During this time, Einstein developed a deep connection with his Jewish identity and roots. In an article written in 1934, he referred to his values.

Chaim Weizmann, who had accompanied Einstein on the trip to America, became the first president of Israel. After Weizmann’s death in 1952, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion offered the presidency to Einstein.

It is said that Weizmann had called Einstein "the greatest living Jew," which made him a natural candidate for succession.

The Offer Letter

In November 1952, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs was seeking a new president. In this regard, Abba Eban, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., formally offered the presidency to Einstein at the direct instruction of David Ben-Gurion.

Acceptance of this position would require Einstein to move to Israel and accept its citizenship. Israeli officials emphasized that Einstein could continue his scientific activities. They viewed his mathematical and scientific talents as a valuable asset for Israel.

Despite the offer, Einstein did not accept the position. In a letter to Israeli officials, he stated that he was "deeply touched by the offer" but was "sad and ashamed" that he could not accept it.

Einstein explained the primary reason for declining the offer was that he was more accustomed to solving objective and scientific problems, saying: "For this reason, I lack the ability and experience for effective management of human relations."

He also noted that his social skills might prevent him from fulfilling official duties.

The Challenge of Age

At the age of 73, Einstein also mentioned that he was getting older and no longer had the physical strength he once had. He ultimately passed away in April 1955 at the age of 76 due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.