Harry & Eddie: The Birth of Israel

Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson star in this staged reading of Harry & Eddie: The Birth of Israel, written by Mark Weston, directed by James Larocca, with Rik Colitti, Ed Schiff and Richard Horwich.

Not much is known about the relationship between Harry S. Truman and Eddie Jacobsen, but their friendship helped Israel become a reality. Eddie Jacobsen and Harry S. Truman, haberdashers, bonded as young men in the army. Their friendship endured. In 1948 the U.N. was contemplating the recognition of a Jewish homeland. President Truman was adamant about not being harassed by Zionists. As a last resort, Jewish leaders asked Jacobson to intercede on their behalf with his old friend, and the state of Israel was born shortly thereafter.

An audience Q&A with legendary actors Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson, director James Larocca and playwright Mark Weston follows the performance.