Albert Einstein – From Pacifist to Political Activist

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a pacifist, but the circumstances forced him to be politically active, and even support violence in order to stop evil. Anti-Semitism (hatred for Jews) was growing in Europe. When Hitler came in power in Germany during World War II, he killed around 6 million Jews. In response to Anti-Semitism, Zionism (a nationalist movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in their historic homeland) was born, and support for Zionism was also increasing with the increase in hatred and violence against Jews. Einstein, who was a German Jew, felt it necessary to support Zionism for the safety and welfare of all Jews, so he openly began advocating for Zionism.

Einstein has an indirect hand in the making of the first atom bomb. First, his famous equation, E=mc², provided the theoretical foundation for nuclear fission. Next, he wrote a letter to the then President of the United States of America, Franklin Roosevelt, urging him to make an atom bomb as soon as possible and use it to stop Hitler’s aggression before Hitler became successful to make the bomb and start terrorizing the entire world. Convinced, President Roosevelt immediately commissioned Manhattan Project, which led to the making of the bomb, and its successful use in 1945 against Japan, as Japan was openly at war with the USA. Thus, Einstein had a hand in the making of the atom bomb. However, he later expressed his regret for his role in the making of incalculably inhumane weapon of mass destruction. He soon started advocating for nuclear disarmament. He was still a pacifist at heart.

Thousands of European Jews returned to their historic homeland in the Middle East and formally established the state of Israel in 1948. With the strong support of the USA, and the official recognition of the United Nations, Israel was able to establish itself despite opposition from surrounding Arab and Muslim nations. Einstein also has his share of the credit. He openly advocated for the Jewish state and won the support of many world leaders, most importantly, the leaders of the USA. USA was grateful to him for his contribution in the making of the atom bomb, and sought to reward him by supporting his vision of the Jewish state.

In 1952, Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel, but he declined because he wanted to continue his work as a physicist, and not as a politician. He had entered the world politics only for a temporary purpose. Once that purpose was served, political activism was no longer needed. Yet, he continued to advocate for world peace and nuclear disarmament.