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Dr. Watson speaks on the topic of Israel and the legacy of former President Harry S. Truman.
When Dr. Robert Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies program at Lynn University, is scheduled to speak the public comes in droves. More than 200 Delray Beach residents filled the Delray Beach Public Library for a recent presentation Watson gave on “Israel and the Legacy of Harry S. Truman.” Watson just published a book with the same title, derived from interviews he held with academia and scholars at different Harry S. Truman sites including The Truman Annex in Key West, where the former president spent 175 days on 11 visits and the home of Harry S. Truman in Independence, Mo.
What’s the correlation between Truman and Israel?
“Israel is in a worst position than it was in 1948,” Watson told the crowd.
More than 100 people were turned away because they hadn’t registered with the library for tickets.
“Our program tickets go fast. In this case it was first come, first serve,” said Library Community Relations Director Bonnie Stelzer.
After Watson took the podium following thunderous applause, he ignited the library patrons into a thought-provoking study.
“I think this is one of the most delicious topics and author could think of… Truman was ready to risk his presidency to make Israel. The story is inventive, fantastic, I use it repeatedly to teach my students true moral courage and leadership,” Watson said.
Harriet Boxbaun, a 13-year Delray Beach resident, agreed with Watson’s lecture.
“I follow him when possible. He speaks well, is well researched, a brilliant man,” Boxbaun said.

More than 100 library patrons had their new books signed by Dr. Watson after the event.