Moshe Dayan

Date of Birth: May 20, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: October 16, 1981

Biography

Moshe Dayan was one of Israel’s most iconic military leaders and political figures. Born on May 20, 1915, in Kibbutz Degania Alef, Ottoman Empire, he played a pivotal role in the establishment and defense of the State of Israel. Dayan’s military career began in the British-led Palestine Supernumerary Police and later the Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary organization. He rose to prominence during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, where his leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental. Dayan’s most notable achievement came during the Six-Day War in 1967, when he served as the Minister of Defense. His strategic brilliance led to a swift and decisive victory for Israel, significantly altering the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. His eyepatch, a result of an injury sustained during World War II, became a symbol of his resilience and tenacity. In addition to his military career, Dayan also held several political positions, including Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Minister of Agriculture, and Foreign Minister. He was a key player in the peace negotiations between Israel and Egypt, which culminated in the Camp David Accords. Dayan’s life was marked by both triumph and controversy. He was known for his unconventional tactics and sometimes abrasive personality, which earned him both admiration and criticism. Despite the controversies, his contributions to Israel’s security and his role in shaping its military doctrine remain undeniable.

5 Interesting Facts about Moshe Dayan

1. Moshe Dayan lost his left eye in 1941 while fighting in World War II, leading to his iconic eyepatch.

2. He was the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 1953 to 1958.

3. Dayan played a crucial role in the Sinai Campaign of 1956 as well as in the Six-Day War of 1967.

4. He was an avid archaeologist and authored several books on the subject.

5. Dayan was instrumental in negotiating the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Moshe Dayan

1. “It is not in our hands to prevent the murder of workers…and families…but it is in our hands to prevent the loss of hope from the hearts of the people.”

2. “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”

3. “If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”

4. “The only solution for the Middle East is peace, and there is no way to peace but through negotiations.”

5. “Israel must be like a mad dog, too dangerous to bother.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Moshe Dayan’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, primarily from book sales and speaking engagements.

Children

Moshe Dayan had three children: 1. Yael Dayan, born in 1939, is a writer and politician. 2. Ehud “Udi” Dayan, born in 1942, pursued a career in the arts. 3. Assi Dayan, born in 1945, was a well-known actor, film director, and screenwriter.