Chapter 1: Einstein's Legacy and the Presidential Offer

Albert Einstein, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to science, notably formulated the equation expressing the equivalence of mass and energy. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect, which laid the groundwork for quantum physics.

Few are aware that Einstein could have potentially added the title of President of Israel to his list of achievements. Following the establishment of Israel in 1948, the nation's first president, Chaim Weizmann, passed away in November 1952. Under pressure from a Jerusalem newspaper, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion extended an invitation to Einstein, who was residing at Princeton University at the time. In Israel, the presidency is largely a ceremonial role, with the prime minister holding the reins of power.

Despite the honor, Einstein politely declined.

According to Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein: His Life and Universe, Einstein had a close friendship with Weizmann, who played a pivotal role in bringing him to America in 1921. Weizmann was also a key figure as the president of the World Zionist Organization. Einstein found the proposition “awkward, very awkward,” as recounted by a friend. He knew from the outset that his answer would be negative, but the Israeli embassy sent a telegram requesting an official meeting with him — specifically, Abba Eban, Israel’s ambassador. Isaacson described the situation as both impractical and astonishing.

“Why should that man come all that way… when I only will have to say no?” Einstein remarked.

Einstein and Eban eventually spoke over the phone, with Einstein quickly turning down the offer. However, Eban insisted on formally presenting the proposition.

“I cannot inform my government that you phoned me and declined... I need to go through the official channels,” Eban explained.

Eban later dispatched a deputy to deliver a formal letter inviting Einstein to accept the presidency, specifying that he would need to relocate to Israel and obtain citizenship, to clarify that he could not serve from Princeton.

Throughout his life, Einstein was deeply committed to Zionist initiatives. His papers are housed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he played a significant role in founding the International Rescue Committee in 1933. He consistently advocated for a Jewish homeland, a stance that sometimes created tension with American Jewish leaders during his visit to the U.S. in 1921. Notably, figures like Louis Brandeis and Felix Frankfurter preferred Jewish assimilation over the pursuit of a homeland.

“Long before the rise of Hitler, I embraced the cause of Zionism because I viewed it as a means to rectify a significant injustice... The Jewish people have historically faced persecution without the basic rights and protections afforded to other nations,” Einstein expressed in a letter to Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

However, while advocating for a Jewish state, Einstein openly criticized the “Freedom Party” in Israel, which gained traction during the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948. He particularly condemned Menachem Begin, labeling him a “fascist element” in a New York Times article. This criticism came shortly after the Deir Yassin massacre, where far-right Zionist groups killed 107 Palestinian Arabs, including numerous women and children.

In an effort to reassure Einstein, Eban emphasized that he could continue his scientific pursuits, with funding from the Israeli government. Essentially, Einstein could lead a life of his choosing, although Isaacson noted that the role would necessitate his presence without demanding much else. Eban conveyed that the offer represented the profound respect the Jewish community held for Einstein, stating:

“It embodies the deepest respect which the Jewish people can repose in any of its sons.”

When Eban and his team arrived at Einstein’s residence, he expressed that he was “deeply moved” by the offer but could not accept, feeling “deeply saddened and ashamed” by his inability to do so.

In his written response, Einstein shared:

“All my life I have dealt with objective matters, and thus I lack both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people and to exercise official functions.”

Einstein recognized the brilliance of the proposal but understood that sometimes, even the most brilliant ideas are not practical. He later reflected:

“I am more distressed by these circumstances because my connection with the Jewish people became my strongest human bond once I fully grasped our precarious position in the world.”

Takeaways

In essence, Einstein declined the presidential role in Israel due to his belief that he lacked the necessary interpersonal skills and experience for such a position. Imagine if more politicians adopted a similar mindset — the world might be a better place.

Isaacson also highlights that Einstein did not wish to be a mere figurehead. He was involved in establishing Hebrew University and had previously distanced himself from political maneuvering, resigning from a group he helped form, Brandeis University, due to negative experiences.

In summary, Einstein rejected the notion of being a figurehead. Despite his advocacy for political causes, he had a strong aversion to politics. Isaacson points out that he often disliked administrative responsibilities throughout his life.

“Einstein’s brilliance stemmed from his rebellious spirit and nonconformity, traits ill-suited for someone expected to be a political mediator,” Isaacson commented.

Yet, part of Einstein’s genius lay in his ability to decline offers when he recognized they were not right for him. He demonstrated a profound understanding of his strengths, especially later in life. The lesson we can learn from Einstein is to embrace the power of saying no and to recognize our own strengths.

Einstein passed away three years later, and all parties involved — Ben-Gurion, Eban, and Einstein himself — found relief that the matter was settled. Behind the scenes, Ben-Gurion humorously remarked to his aide:

“If he accepts, we are in for trouble.”