Jews in Russia and Eastern Europe,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, summer 1 (50) 2003, pp 218-220, The Romanian Dictator, The Jewish State, and the Jews, by Yohanan Cohen
"The author of this book was qualified to write it. He had the experience of being an ambassador to Romania and, thus, playing an active role in the development of Israeli-Romanian relations. He is a skilled researcher with the ability to profoundly analyze historical and political developments. In addition, he has an intimate knowledge of the Romanian Jewish community… With this combined perspective, ambassador Govrin analyzed the domestic policy of Ceausescu. The Romanian President highhandedly destroyed the agricultural economy of his country by establishing huge but unprofitable industrial enterprises and by driving from their homes masses of farmers (mainly from areas populated by people of Hungarian and German origin). By causing great suffering in these regions, in 1989 the Romanian dictator was able to abolish his country's huge debt. The Western countries did not become involved in Romania's internal affairs. This proclaimed success, like others of this kind, increased national pride and served to further the cult of personality of the man who, although he lacked charisma, managed to gain support from his people. Another factor contributing to his power was the long arm of his cruel security services, which he built up in the course of a quarter century. However, gradually, hatred against the man and his methods grew among the common people, the military, and the intelligentsia. Govrin cites conversations with members of these groups, which eventually brought about Ceausescu's downfall.
While he took a very hard line in internal affairs, Ceausescu followed a moderate course in foreign policy, stressing the importance of solving disputes via negotiations. He thus gained prestige as a mediator between countries and peoples, especially between Israel and the Arab world. He was the only Communist leader who didn't break off diplomatic relations with Israel following the Six Day's War – despite Soviet pressure to do so. Romania was also one of the few Communist countries at this time that allowed emigration, although limited, to Israel. Ceausescu opposed the international movement to equate Zionism with racism and had a significant part in bringing about Sadat's breakthrough visit to Israel. Although Govrin notes that "our opinion about Ceausescu, as a tyrannical leader of his people, is surely not different from that of the majority of his critics on Romania itself and abroad" (p.335), he clearly appreciates the Romanian leader's contribution to Israeli-Romanian relations.
The Israeli-Arab conflict had an importance place in Ceausescu's foreign policy. The officials of his Foreign Ministry were very well informed about the details of the conflict. In 1985 Ceausescu raised with Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, which would be guaranteed security and territorial integrity. These proposals and similar ones were intended not only to increase Ceausescu's reputation as an international statesman but also to advance rapprochement with the United States and gain Most Favored Nation status. However, despite his allegedly pro-Israeli attitude, Ceausescu took care to demonstrate his closeness to the Arabs. Thus, Romania was the first country to officially recognize the P.L.O. Furthermore, although Ceausescu visited many Arab countries, he did not visit Israel.
While Israeli- Romanian relations are the focus of this book, the author devoted considerable attention to the condition of the Jewish community in Romania. He describes Jewish life in considerable detail in the country where only about 25,000 Jews remained of a major pre-war community. Govrin indicates appreciation for the devoted efforts of Chief Rabbi Rosen who succeeded in establishing a broad network of aid for the Jewish elderly and encouraged religious, cultural, and Zionist activity, via his contacts with the authorities.
Israel-Romanian Relations is written in a clear style and is well documented. In addition to its value for an understanding of the recent history of Romania, it makes a significant contribution to the history of Israeli diplomacy. It has much to offer both professionals in East European and Jewish studies and other readers interested in these areas".
