Abba Eban

Date of Birth: February 2, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 17, 2002

Biography

Abba Eban was an influential Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar who played a significant role in the establishment and development of the State of Israel. Born Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban on February 2, 1915, in Cape Town, South Africa, he later moved to England where he attended Queen’s College, Cambridge. He was a brilliant student, earning a triple first in Oriental languages and classics. During World War II, Eban served in the British Army, where his linguistic skills were put to use in the Middle East. After the war, he became a key figure in the Zionist movement and was appointed as a liaison officer to the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine. His eloquent and persuasive speeches were instrumental in garnering support for the establishment of Israel in 1948. Eban held numerous important positions in the Israeli government, including Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, and later served as Israel’s Foreign Minister from 1966 to 1974. Throughout his career, he was known for his exceptional oratory skills and his ability to articulate Israel’s position on the global stage. In addition to his diplomatic career, Eban was an accomplished author and academic, writing several books on Israeli and Middle Eastern history. He was also a prominent advocate for peace and dialogue in the region. Abba Eban passed away on November 17, 2002, in Tel Aviv, Israel, leaving behind a legacy as one of Israel’s most distinguished diplomats.

5 Interesting Facts about Abba Eban

1. Abba Eban was fluent in ten languages, including Hebrew, Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, and Persian.

2. He was one of the youngest individuals to be appointed as Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, taking the position at the age of 33.

3. Eban’s book “My People: The Story of the Jews” is considered a seminal work on Jewish history and has been translated into multiple languages.

4. He played a critical role in the negotiations that led to the ceasefire agreements during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

5. Eban was often referred to as “the voice of Israel” due to his eloquence and powerful speeches at the United Nations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Abba Eban

1. “History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.”

2. “A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually.”

3. “The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”

4. “Linguistic facility and extraordinary eloquence are not the same as wisdom.”

5. “Israel’s existence is not a gift from the nations of the world. It is the right of the Jewish people to live in their own land.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Abba Eban’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his wealth was primarily in his intellectual contributions and public service rather than in monetary terms.

Children

Abba Eban had two children with his wife, Suzy Eban (née Ambache): a son, Eli Eban, who is a renowned clarinetist and professor of music, and a daughter, Gila Eban, who pursued a career in education and social work.