Golda Meir 1898–1978
Former Prime Minister of Israel
In 1948, twenty-five Jewish leaders signed the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. This document officially founded the new nation of Israel. One of the signers was Golda Meir.
Golda Meir was born in Russia and moved to the United States with her family when she was eight years old. They settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Meir became active in Zionism in high school. In 1921, she moved to Palestine and joined a kibbutz. She was energetic and outspoken, and in time became part of the Jewish leadership in Palestine.
After Israel became a Jewish state, Meir worked in the government for many years. She created relations with newly independent countries in Africa. She also strengthened relations with the United States and Latin American countries. In 1969, Gold Meir was persuaded to leave retirement and enter politics again. She became the Prime Minister of Israel at age 70.
As prime minister, Meir worked to protect Europe's Jews and encouraged them to immigrate to Israel. She also refused to compromise with the Palestinians. The major event of Meir's administration was the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The war began with a surprise attack by Syria and Egypt against Israel. Meir was later blamed because Israel was not prepared for such an attack. She resigned in 1974.
Critical Thinking
Why is Meir important to the history of Israel?