In a moment of diplomatic drama for the ages, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947. Across the Jewish world, the news that the UN had endorsed the creation of a Jewish state in the land of Israel was met with joy, relief, and an overwhelming sense of hope. Our people were now closer than ever to realizing an eternal dream: to return home to the land of Israel, restore Jewish sovereignty, and rejoin the family of nations in peace.

Members of my own family were at the heart of these events. Abba Eban, my uncle, was a leading figure in the Jewish Agency delegation in New York that fought to secure every vote in favor of the resolution. This success was a precursor to a stellar diplomatic career that saw him become a legendary foreign minister and leading spokesperson for Israel.

Back in Jerusalem, my grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was then serving as chief rabbi of the land of Israel. As crowds thronged into his home to celebrate the result of the UN vote, my grandfather gave voice to the hope felt by millions of Jews in a special radio broadcast. “After the years of bitter exile, which have lasted 2,000 years,” he declared, “the dawn of Israel’s redemption is beginning to........

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