The United States and Israel have always shared a passion for democracy. Both countries had similar foundations, established by the majority of immigrants who claimed to create a better society, towards religious tolerance and democratic ideas. In 1948, both the United States and the Soviet Union immediately recognized the State of Israel. During an era in which these two nations often fought against each other to claim majorities in support and power for both ideologies, the United States firmly recognized but limited its support for Israel due to its alliances with the Arab countries in the region and the growing demand for oil in the region. Many believed that Jews deserved refuge after the horrors that occurred during the Holocaust, the founding of Israel was therefore strongly supported by President Truman and his legal advisor, Clark Clifford. Some believed that this support was just a plan to gain Jewish votes and that recognizing Israel could endanger US access to Arab oil. Although Truman and Clifford strongly supported U.S. recognition, much of the U.S. government, including the State Department, the Department of Defense, and the CIA, were concerned about Israel's declaration of independence. Critics like John Snetsinger have repeated this belief ad nauseam. Truman faced an election year, which made him feel the need for Jewish support, which overwhelmingly consisted of Jews rather than Arabs. Benson, an analyst at the University of Utah, believed that Truman's pro-Israel outlook "was based on humanitarian, moral, and sentimental reasons, many of which were a consequence of the president's religious upbringing and his familiarity with the Bible." Truman recognized Zion's influence... half of the document... THE ISRAEL LOBBY AND US FOREIGN POLICY Vol. 28.6 (2006). University of Chicago. Web. 14 April 2012. Quandt, William. London, England: University of California Press, 1977, 39-41, 66-69. Rebenberg, Cheryl A. Israel and the American National Interest Illinois Press, 1986), 126. United States Congressional Research Service. Congress of the Federation of American Scientists, December 29, 2011. Web. April 12, 2012. “Washington's New Gun Bazaar | Research and information project on the Middle East. " MERIP Home. Research and information project on the Middle East. Web. 14 April. 2012. .