“Americans admire a people who can scratch a desert and produce a garden. The Israelis have shown qualities that Americans identify with: guts, patriotism, idealism, a passion for freedom. I have seen it. I know. I believe that.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“Americans admire a people who can scratch a desert and produce a garden. The Israelis have shown qualities that Americans identify with: guts, patriotism, idealism, a passion for freedom. I have seen it. I know. I believe that.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon expresses strong admiration for the state of Israel and its people, drawing a parallel between Israeli resilience and core American values. The phrase “scratch a desert and produce a garden” symbolizes transformation through determination and ingenuity—qualities Nixon saw as emblematic of both the Israeli national project and the American spirit. By naming traits like “guts, patriotism, idealism, and a passion for freedom,” he frames the Israeli experience as one of courage and democratic aspiration, reinforcing emotional and ideological ties between the two nations.
Historically, Nixon’s support for Israel was notably demonstrated during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when he authorized a massive U.S. airlift of military supplies to help Israel survive a surprise attack. His admiration was not only strategic but also rooted in shared cultural narratives of struggle and perseverance. Nixon’s statement reflects a period when American-Israeli relations were solidifying, and when Israel’s survival and success in a hostile region were seen by many Americans as a testament to democratic resilience and human will.
In today’s context, this quote continues to resonate in discussions about U.S.–Israel relations, foreign aid, and shared democratic values. While views on Middle Eastern politics have diversified, Nixon’s words highlight a foundational view of Israel as a symbol of determination and democratic kinship. It also speaks more broadly to the human admiration for those who overcome adversity and build something enduring—a theme that transcends borders and political eras.
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