Golda Meir

Date of Birth: May 3, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: December 8, 1978

Biography

Golda Meir was an influential Israeli politician and stateswoman, recognized as one of the most prominent female leaders of the 20th century. She was born Golda Mabovitch on May 3, 1898, in Kyiv, Ukraine, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Her family emigrated to the United States in 1906 to escape anti-Semitic pogroms, and they settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Golda showed an early interest in politics and Zionism, joining the Labor Zionist movement. In 1921, Golda and her husband, Morris Meyerson, immigrated to Palestine, which was then under British mandate. They joined a kibbutz and eventually moved to Jerusalem. Golda became deeply involved in the political life of the Yishuv, the Jewish community in Palestine. She rose to prominence within the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor) and later in the Jewish Agency. Golda Meir played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, serving as Israel’s Minister of Labor and National Insurance, and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1969, she became the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, a position she held until 1974. During her tenure, she faced numerous challenges, including the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After stepping down as Prime Minister, Golda Meir continued to be a significant figure in Israeli politics and remained active in public life until her death on December 8, 1978.

5 Interesting Facts about Golda Meir

1. Golda Meir was Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister.

2. She was nicknamed the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics long before Margaret Thatcher.

3. Golda Meir was a signatory of Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948.

4. She was instrumental in the fundraising efforts in the United States to support the nascent State of Israel.

5. Meir was known for her unpretentious and straightforward demeanor, often holding meetings in her kitchen.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Golda Meir

1. “We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us.”

2. “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.”

3. “I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.”

4. “One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.”

5. “To be or not to be is not a question of compromise. Either you be or you don’t be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Golda Meir was a public servant throughout her career and did not amass personal wealth. Her focus was on service to the public rather than personal financial gain.