
Los Alamos-Japan Institute builds global storytelling bridges in partnership with scientists, social thinkers, atomic bomb survivors, artists, holocaust survivors, peacemakers, universities, national parks, museums, and communities to connect people across history and culture.
Experience the Negev and Ben-Gurion's desert home, Haifa’s Bahai Temple, Western Wall tunnels, conversations with experts, walking tours, wineries, ancient waterfalls, local foods, Mediterranean swims, Dead Sea floats, and so much more.
On May 14, 1948, the US became the first nation to recognize Israel minutes after its founding. Weeks later, in the White House Rose Garden, Chaim Weizmann, Israel’s first president, presented a sacred Torah scroll as a gift to Truman.
Seventy-five years later, LAJI celebrates Truman’s Israel legacy with an extraordinary travel experience. Visit Israel with Clifton Truman Daniel, President Truman’s eldest grandson, and LAJI Founder Dr. Judith Stauber, Israel culture expert with experience leading thousands of participants on dozens of group tours to Israel.
In 1951, David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, and Abba Eban, Israeli diplomat, gave Truman a 1767 bronze German menorah for his birthday. After Truman’s death in 1972, Israel issued a commemorative stamp in the president’s honor.
The Torah and Menorah pictured here are on display at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.
Chair, Los Alamos-Japan Institute Global Advisory Group
My grandfather took sole responsibility for the atomic bombings of Japan, neither making excuses nor denying the devastation. In 1947, when criticized for placing a wreath at the tomb of six Mexican army cadets who had died fighting against the US 100 years earlier, he said: "They had courage and courage does not belong to any one nation. You honor courage wherever you find it." We rejoice in the lives saved in WWII and acknowledge and honor the suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Listen to the Oak Ridge International Friendship Bell—an 8,000-pound bronze Kyoto bell designed to symbolize shared peace and friendship with Japan. The bell is part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, TN.
As I was raised in Hiroshima, Los Alamos instantly reminded me of the bombing of Hiroshima on August, 6, 1945. At first I hesitated to visit but the warm personality of Judith Stauber helped me make the decision to actually visit. I cannot forget the warm welcome by Dr. Stauber and the people of Los Alamos. To my surprise, the beautiful blue sky and clear air made me feel refreshed and even familiar. After seeing exhibits and talking with people in Los Alamos—I reaffirmed the tremendous impact of science on humanity and the importance of faithfully facing history.
Kenji Shiga, Former Director Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The Paper Crane Foundation supports programming on reconciliation, disarmament and open, honest discussion of conflict. It is the sister organization to Japan’s Sadako Legacy, honoring Hiroshima survivor Sadako Sasaki, whose dying wish was for peace.
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