Portrait of John F. Kennedy
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John F. Kennedy on Palestine

Evolving Israel supporter (moderate)

TL;DR

John F. Kennedy evolved from initial reservations about Zionist attitudes to strong presidential support for Israel while addressing refugee concerns.

Key Points

  • In 1948, as a Congressman, he condemned the US reversal of support for the UN Partition Plan as "one of the most discouraging aspects of recent American foreign policy."

  • He spoke glowingly of Zionism and Israel's right to endure and flourish at a Zionist convention in August 1960.

  • The Kennedy Administration seriously considered solutions for the Palestinian refugee problem, tasking an envoy in August 1961 to study resettlement, though the plan ultimately failed.

Summary

John F. Kennedy’s views on Palestine evolved significantly from his youth to his presidency, with his documented early impressions reflecting reservations about the nature of the Zionist movement. As a young man after a 1939 trip, he noted in a letter to his father that he found some Jewish leaders to have an "unfortunately arrogant, uncompromising attitude" and suggested a solution involving autonomous districts rather than a single state, while also stating "Palestine was hardly Britain's to give away." This perspective shifted notably following the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel.

As a Senator and later President, his position became markedly more supportive of the state of Israel, affirming its right to exist and flourish, as demonstrated in a 1960 speech. However, President Kennedy also engaged with the broader regional dynamic, giving serious consideration to the plight of Palestinian refugees by dispatching an envoy to study resettlement options, though ultimately these efforts did not result in a permanent settlement, and his term concluded without a major Arab-Israeli war.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a 1939 letter written after visiting Palestine, the young John F. Kennedy expressed reservations about some Zionist leaders, describing them as having an "arrogant, uncompromising attitude." He also noted the difficulty of the situation, writing that Palestine was "hardly Britain's to give away." This was prior to his time in national office and before the Holocaust had fully informed US policy.

Yes, as a member of the House of Representatives, John F. Kennedy actively supported the UN Partition Plan. He publicly denounced the Truman administration's reported reversal of the US stance on partition in April 1948, demanding an end to the arms embargo to allow the Jewish population to defend themselves.

As president, John F. Kennedy gave serious consideration to the issue of Palestinian refugees scattered across the region. He appointed an envoy in August 1961 to study the problem and report back on potential resettlement strategies. However, this mission ultimately concluded without a final resolution to the refugee crisis.