Golda Meir was Israel's first female prime minister, serving from 1969 to 1974. She played key roles in the Jewish Agency and signed the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Meir faced challenges during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, leading to public criticism. She passed away in 1978, leaving a mixed legacy.
Golda Meir, born as Golda Mabovitch, was born into a Ukrainian-Jewish family in Kiev, then part of the Russian Empire. She later became the first and only female Prime Minister of Israel, serving from 1969 to 1974.
Golda Meir was born on May 3, 1903.
In 1905, Golda Meir's family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to join her father who had found employment in the local railroad yard.
In 1906, Golda Meir immigrated with her family from Kiev to the United States. This immigration marked a significant change in her life and eventually led her to become a prominent figure in Israeli politics.
In 1908, while in the fourth grade, Golda and her friend Regina Hamburger established the American Young Sisters Society to raise funds for buying textbooks for underprivileged students. They organized fundraising events, including one where Golda delivered a speech.
In 1912, Golda Meir achieved academic excellence by graduating at the top of her class from the Fourth Street School. This accomplishment showcased her dedication to education and learning.
In February 1913, 14-year-old Golda Meir leaves her house without permission and moves to Denver to live with her sister's family. She enrolls at North High School on February 17 and becomes exposed to various intellectual discussions that shape her future convictions.
In June 1914, Golda Meir ends her stay at North High School in Denver due to disagreements with her sister. She decides to move out on her own, work, and eventually plans to return to Milwaukee.
In 1915, Golda Meir returns to Milwaukee and graduates from North Division High School the following year. This marks an important milestone in her education and personal development.
In 1916, Golda attends Wisconsin State Normal School in Milwaukee with the intention of pursuing a teaching career. She is vice-president of her class and only stays at the teacher-training institution for one year.
Golda Meir became a naturalized US citizen on July 9, 1917, as her father had also naturalized. Children of naturalized citizens under the age of 21 received citizenship by descent at that time.
Golda Meir's education milestone occurred on September 1, 1917.
Golda and Morris Myerson have a small wedding in Golda's parents' home. Shortly after the wedding, Golda has to travel for Poalei Zion.
In 1918, Golda attends the first convention of the American Jewish Congress in Philadelphia as a delegate from Milwaukee. Being the youngest delegate, she views this event as the beginning of her political journey.
In 1921, Golda Meir and Meyerson moved to Mandatory Palestine, part of the British Mandate. They sailed from New York to Naples and then to Tel Aviv, settling in kibbutz Merhavia in the Jezreel Valley.
In 1924, Golda Meir and Meyerson settled in Jerusalem and had two children, a son Menachem and a daughter Sarah. Golda Meir briefly returned to kibbutz Merhavia in 1925.
Recognized for her leadership abilities, Golda Meir was chosen as the kibbutz Merhavia's representative to the Histadrut, the General Federation of Labour, in 1925.
Golda Meir gave birth to her daughter, Sarah, in 1926 while facing financial difficulties in Jerusalem. She struggled to make ends meet and longed for meaningful community involvement.
On January 1, 1928, Golda Meir became the Secretary of the Women's Labor Council, a position that allowed her to advocate for women's rights and labor issues. Her leadership in this role contributed to the advancement of women in the workforce.
Golda Meir was appointed as the Secretary of the Woman Labor Council, a position recommended by David Remez. This role marked an important step in Golda's political career and allowed her to further promote causes she believed in.
In 1932, Golda Meir travels to the United States with her children to seek medical treatment for her daughter's kidney illness. During this time, she also engages in extensive fundraising activities for the Pioneer Women’s Organization of America.
In 1934, Golda Meir became a member of the Executive Committee of the Histadrut, a significant step in her political career.
In 1938, Golda Meir is named the “Jewish observer from Palestine” at the International Conference on Refugees in Evian-les-Bains, expressing her disappointment with the lack of concrete actions to address the refugee crisis.
In 1940, Golda Meir assumes the role of the head of Histadrut’s Political Department, actively participating in the fight against British policies restricting Jewish immigration to Palestine.
In 1943, Golda Meir provides testimony as a witness at the Sirkin-Richlin arms trial conducted by the British, contributing to her growing reputation as a prominent figure in the political landscape.
Golda Meir's father, Moshe Mabovitch, passed away in 1944. This event had a personal impact on Meir and influenced her life and career.
In 1946, Golda Meir is appointed acting head of the Jewish Agency's Political Department and later becomes the head. She plays a crucial role during a time when refugees headed to Palestine are detained and begin a hunger strike.
In 1947, Golda Meir travels to Cyprus to convince detained refugees to prioritize families with children for immigration to Palestine. She also has a significant meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan as the United Nations votes to partition Palestine.
In January 1948, Golda Meir played a critical role in fundraising for the Jewish Agency, raising over $30 million for the continuing war and the establishment of Israel. Her emotional speech in Chicago was key to her success, and the funds were crucial for the war effort.
On 13 April 1948, Golda Meir was hospitalized in Tel Aviv due to a suspected heart attack. Ben-Gurion and other political leaders urged her to guard her health and play a role in Jerusalem, emphasizing her importance.
On 6 May 1948, Golda Meir visited Haifa after its occupation by Hagannah. Witnessing the suffering of an elderly Arab woman deeply affected her, leading her to denounce the mass expulsion of Arabs and draw parallels to the Jewish experience in Nazi-occupied Europe.
On May 10, 1948, Golda Meir went on a hazardous mission to Amman disguised as an Arab to persuade King Abdullah of Jordan not to attack Israel.
On May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence in a ceremony held at the Tel Aviv Art Museum. Golda Myerson was one of the signatories of the declaration.
A day after Israel's independence, the second phase of the war began. Golda Meir lost her job and administrative responsibilities as the Political Department transitioned into the provisional Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Golda Meir embarked on a successful fundraising tour on May 18, 1948, raising around $50 million to support Israel during the war. Her efforts contributed significantly to the war funding.
On June 25, 1948, Golda Meir was appointed as the minister plenipotentiary to the Soviet Union by Sharett, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This appointment came after the Soviet Union recognized Israel.
Despite a car crash that caused injuries, Golda Meir returned to Israel from the United States on July 29, 1948. She disregarded doctor's orders to rest due to the urgency of the situation with the Soviet Union.
Golda Meir served as the minister plenipotentiary to the Soviet Union from September 2, 1948, to March 10, 1949. She faced challenges due to her straightforward nature and lack of interest in diplomatic formalities.
On January 1, 1949, Golda Meir assumed the role of Minister of Labor. This position marked a significant responsibility in her political career, where she likely focused on labor-related policies and initiatives to benefit the workforce.
Golda Meir planned to run for the first Knesset elections on January 25, 1949. She returned to Israel the month before the elections and campaigned for Mapai, which eventually won 35% of the votes.
Golda Meir became the Labor Minister on March 10, 1949, after rejecting the position of deputy prime minister. She found the role fulfilling and enjoyed the ability to act decisively.
In October 1950, Golda Meir announced a three-year-plan for Israel's development with a price tag of $15 billion over the next 15 years, aimed at dealing with the funding challenges caused by the influx of immigrants.
Morris, Golda Meir's husband, passed away in 1951. Despite the separation in their marriage, they were never legally divorced. Golda Meir continued to feel guilty for not being the wife he wanted and for not doing enough for their children.
In 1953, Golda Meir led an effort to eliminate the temporary immigrant camps known as ma'abarot in Israel, with two-thirds of them being eliminated by 1956 and 120,000 families moving to permanent housing.
In 1954, Golda Meir sided with David Ben-Gurion against Pinhas Lavon in the Lavon Affair, a controversial political event in Israel's history.
On 3 August 1955, Golda Meir was hospitalized after complaining of chest pains and was diagnosed with arrhythmia.
Golda Meir served as Foreign Minister during the 1956 Suez Crisis, coordinating with France and leading the Israeli delegation at the United Nations debates. The crisis ended with the withdrawal of the invading forces.
Foreign Minister Golda Meir addressed the Knesset regarding the importance of free passage through the Suez Canal for Israel.
On 29 October 1957, a Mills bomb was thrown into the Knesset chamber, injuring Golda Meir's foot. The attack was carried out by Moshe Dwek, who was described as mentally unbalanced.
In 1958, Golda Meir sought to prevent disabled and sick Polish Jews from immigrating to Israel, raising the issue of instituting selection in aliyah. She aimed to avoid accepting sick and handicapped individuals.
In 1960, Golda Meir delivers a powerful speech at the United Nations in response to Argentina's complaint about Israel capturing Adolf Eichmann. The Council decides that Israel's expression of regret is sufficient and endorses the trial of the Nazi war criminal.
The Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center was established in 1961 to provide training for women engaged in community work in emerging states in Africa and Asia.
In 1962, 'This Is Our Strength' was published, a collection of Golda Meir's papers.
In 1963, Golda Meir is diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer.
In 1965, Golda Meir became the Secretary-General of Mapai, Israel's dominant political party, solidifying her influence and leadership within the political landscape of Israel.
In 1966, Golda Meir leaves her position as Foreign Minister and becomes the Secretary-General of Mapai party to unify the Labor party alliance. She takes on the role to bring together the fragments of the Labor movement.
Foreign Minister Golda Meir addressed the General Assembly about the ongoing Egyptian blockade of the Suez Canal and its impact.
In 1968, Golda Meir steps down from her role as party Secretary-General. This is also the year when the War of Attrition, military exchanges with Egypt across the Suez, begins.
Following the death of Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir became the compromise candidate and assumed the role of Prime Minister of Israel on February 26, 1969. She maintained the coalition government that had emerged after the Six-Day War.
On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir was voted as the new party leader by the party's central committee. Despite her initial hesitations due to health concerns, she accepted the position and served as the leader of the party.
On March 17, 1969, Golda Meir becomes the Prime Minister of Israel after accepting the nomination by the central committee of her party. She takes office seven weeks before her 71st birthday and is the fourth person to hold this position.
A joint statement was issued by Golda Meir and U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles on a specific matter.
In 1970, a cease-fire takes place in the War of Attrition with Egypt. Golda Meir also initiates meetings with King Hussein of Jordan during this time.
In 1971, Golda Meir becomes the second woman from outside the U.S. to be the most admired woman in America according to the Gallup poll. She repeats this achievement in 1973 and 1974.
In 1972, as Prime Minister, Golda Meir faces the September massacre of 11 Israeli athletes during the Munich Olympics. She orders the creation of assassination teams to hunt down the perpetrators from the Black September movement. Additionally, terrorists kill 27 people at Lod Airport in Tel Aviv.
On February 28, 1973, during a visit to Washington, D.C., Golda Meir agreed with Henry Kissinger's peace proposal based on 'security versus sovereignty,' which involved territorial compromises for peace between Israel and Egypt.
In March 1973, a plot by the Black September terror organization to assassinate Golda Meir during her trip to New York City was foiled by the United States. Specific information about car bombs targeting Meir was intercepted and disposed of by the FBI and the New York Police Department.
After the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, Golda Meir faced challenges in forming a new coalition government. She eventually resigned as Prime Minister on April 10, 1974, remaining in power as head of a caretaker government until June.
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, broke out on October 5, 1973.
The war started with Egyptian and Syrian attacks on October 6, 1973, posing a significant challenge for Golda Meir. It ended with peace negotiations brokered by U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Golda Meir emphasized Israel's commitment to peace in her address to the General Assembly.
Golda Meir informs party leaders on April 10 that she is resigning from her position as Prime Minister of Israel. She continues to lead a caretaker government until her official departure on June 4.
On June 3, 1974, Golda Meir officially handed over the premiership of Israel to Yitzhak Rabin after resigning from her position.
Golda Meir steps down from her position as the Prime Minister of Israel and also ends her 25-year tenure in the Knesset. She had initially struggled to form a government and decided to move back to private life.
Golda Meir gave up her Knesset seat on 7 June 1974 after resigning as prime minister. She believed the government needed to form a coalition and that she had served enough time as premier.
Golda Meir, now a private citizen, publishes her autobiography 'My Life'. Despite her initial reservations about delving into personal or political matters, the book becomes a global bestseller.
The book 'Interview With History' was published in 1976, featuring an interview with Golda Meir conducted by Oriana Fallaci.
On 21 November 1977, Golda Meir spoke at the Knesset to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat during his historic trip to Israel, praising his courage and vision for peace.
Golda Meir, who had been suffering from leukemia, passed away on December 8, 1978, four years after resigning from office.
Golda Meir is buried at Mount Herzl National Cemetery in Jerusalem.
Margaret Davidson wrote 'The Golda Meir Story' in 1981, offering a narrative on the life of Golda Meir.
The feature film 'A Woman Called Golda' was released by Paramount Pictures in 1982, depicting the life of Golda Meir.
Golda Meir was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 1985, acknowledging her remarkable achievements and impact.
Ralph G. Martin wrote 'Golda: Golda Meir—The Romantic Years' in 1988, focusing on a specific period of Golda Meir's life known as the Romantic Years.
In 1990, a book titled 'Golda Meir: A Leader in Peace and War' was published, shedding light on Golda Meir's role as a leader during times of peace and war.
Information about Golda Meir from the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women on the Jewish Women's Archive website.
Renee Taylor begins a one-woman touring show called An Evening with Golda Meir.
William Gibson's play Golda's Balcony is performed in Massachusetts with Annette Miller playing Golda.
In 2010, 'The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership' was published, offering a narrative on Israeli leadership including Golda Meir.
In 2017, Francine Klagsbrun authored 'Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel,' exploring the relationship between Golda Meir and the nation of Israel.