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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Golda Meir

Israeli politician, first female PM of Israel.
Israeli politician, first female PM of Israel.

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.

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1898-05-03
Birth of Golda Meir

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.

1903-05-03
Birth of Golda Meir

Golda Meir was born on May 3, 1903.

1905
Meir's family moves to Milwaukee

In 1905, Golda Meir's family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to join her father who had found employment in the local railroad yard.

1906
Immigration to the United States

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.

1908
Formation of American Young Sisters Society

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.

1912
Golda Meir graduates top of her class from Fourth Street School

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.

1913-02-17
Golda Meir enrolls at North High School in Denver

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.

1914-06-05
Golda Meir leaves North High School in Denver

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.

1915
Golda Meir graduates from North Division High School in 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.

1916
Golda attends Wisconsin State Normal School

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.

1917-07-09
Golda Meir becomes a naturalized US citizen

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.

1917-09-01
Golda Meir's Education

Golda Meir's education milestone occurred on September 1, 1917.

1917-12-24
Golda and Morris Myerson's Wedding

Golda and Morris Myerson have a small wedding in Golda's parents' home. Shortly after the wedding, Golda has to travel for Poalei Zion.

1918
Golda attends the first convention of the American Jewish Congress

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.

1921
Golda Meir and Meyerson move to Mandatory Palestine

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.

1924
Golda Meir and Meyerson settle in Jerusalem and have children

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.

1925
Golda Meir's leadership role in kibbutz Merhavia

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.

1926
Birth of Sarah

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.

1928-01
Golda becomes Secretary of the Women's Labor Council

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.

1930
Golda Meir named Secretary of Woman Labor Council

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.

1932
Travels to the United States for medical treatment and fundraising

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.

1934
Meir becomes member of the Executive Committee of the Histadrut

In 1934, Golda Meir became a member of the Executive Committee of the Histadrut, a significant step in her political career.

1938
Attends the International Conference on Refugees in Evian-les-Bains

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.

1940
Becomes head of Histadrut’s Political Department

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.

1943
Testifies at the Sirkin-Richlin arms trial

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.

1944
Death of Golda Meir's father, Moshe Mabovitch

Golda Meir's father, Moshe Mabovitch, passed away in 1944. This event had a personal impact on Meir and influenced her life and career.

1946
Golda Meir Appointed Head of Jewish Agency's Political Department

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.

1947
Golda Meir's Diplomatic Efforts in Cyprus

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.

1948-01-22
Golda Meir's Fundraising Success for Israel

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.

1948-04-13
Golda Meir Hospitalized

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.

1948-05-06
Golda Meir's Impactful Visit to Haifa

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.

1948-05-10
Golda Meir's Mission to Amman

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.

1948-05-14
Israel's Independence Declared

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.

1948-05-15
Start of the Second Phase of the War

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.

1948-05-18
Successful Fundraising Tour

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.

1948-06-25
Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the Soviet Union

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.

1948-07-29
Return to Israel from the United States

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.

1948-09-02
Golda Meir serves as minister plenipotentiary to 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.

1949-01-01
Golda Meir appointed as Minister of Labor

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.

1949-01-25
Golda Meir runs for the first Knesset elections

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.

1949-03-10
Golda Meir becomes Labor Minister

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.

1950-10
Israel's Three-Year Plan for Development

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.

1951
Death of Morris, Golda Meir's husband

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.

1953
Elimination of Ma'abarot

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.

1954
Lavon Affair

In 1954, Golda Meir sided with David Ben-Gurion against Pinhas Lavon in the Lavon Affair, a controversial political event in Israel's history.

1955-08-03
Hospitalization for Arrhythmia

On 3 August 1955, Golda Meir was hospitalized after complaining of chest pains and was diagnosed with arrhythmia.

1956-06-18
Golda Meir's role during the 1956 Suez Crisis

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.

1956-07-26
Free Passage Through the Suez Canal

Foreign Minister Golda Meir addressed the Knesset regarding the importance of free passage through the Suez Canal for Israel.

1957-10-29
Attack on the Knesset involving Golda Meir

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.

1958
Golda Meir's stance on Jewish migration from Poland

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.

1960
Golda Meir addresses the United Nations on the capture of Adolf Eichmann

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.

1961
Establishment of Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center

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.

1962
Publication of 'This Is Our Strength'

In 1962, 'This Is Our Strength' was published, a collection of Golda Meir's papers.

1963
Golda Meir diagnosed with cancer

In 1963, Golda Meir is diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer.

1965
Golda Meir becomes Secretary-General of Mapai

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.

1966
Golda Meir becomes Secretary-General of Mapai party

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.

1967-06-05
Continuing Egyptian Blockade of the Suez Canal

Foreign Minister Golda Meir addressed the General Assembly about the ongoing Egyptian blockade of the Suez Canal and its impact.

1968
Golda Meir leaves position as party Secretary-General

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.

1969-02-26
Golda Meir becomes Prime Minister of Israel

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.

1969-03-07
Golda Meir becomes the new party leader

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.

1969-03-17
Golda Meir becomes Prime Minister of Israel

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.

1969-06-19
Meir-Dulles Joint Statement

A joint statement was issued by Golda Meir and U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles on a specific matter.

1970
Cease-fire in the War of Attrition and meetings with King Hussein of Jordan

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.

1971
Golda Meir Tops Gallup Poll

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.

1972
Munich Olympics Massacre and Lod Airport Attack

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.

1973-02-28
Golda Meir agrees with Henry Kissinger's peace proposal

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.

1973-03-04
Foiled Assassination Plot by Black September

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.

1973-04-10
Golda Meir resigns as Prime Minister of Israel

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.

1973-10-05
Yom Kippur War

The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War, broke out on October 5, 1973.

1973-10-06
1973 Yom Kippur War

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.

1973-10-22
Israel Committed to Peace - Address to the General Assembly by Golda Meir

Golda Meir emphasized Israel's commitment to peace in her address to the General Assembly.

1974-04-10
Golda Meir announces resignation

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.

1974-06-03
Transfer of Premiership to Yitzhak Rabin

On June 3, 1974, Golda Meir officially handed over the premiership of Israel to Yitzhak Rabin after resigning from her position.

1974-06-04
Golda Meir leaves office

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.

1974-06-07
Golda Meir Giving Up Knesset Seat

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.

1975
Publication of Golda Meir's autobiography

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.

1976
Publication of 'Interview With History'

The book 'Interview With History' was published in 1976, featuring an interview with Golda Meir conducted by Oriana Fallaci.

1977-11-21
Golda Meir Speaks at Knesset to Anwar Sadat

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.

1978-12-08
Death of Golda Meir

Golda Meir, who had been suffering from leukemia, passed away on December 8, 1978, four years after resigning from office.

1978-12-12
Burial of Golda Meir

Golda Meir is buried at Mount Herzl National Cemetery in Jerusalem.

1981
The Golda Meir Story by Margaret Davidson

Margaret Davidson wrote 'The Golda Meir Story' in 1981, offering a narrative on the life of Golda Meir.

1982
A Woman Called Golda

The feature film 'A Woman Called Golda' was released by Paramount Pictures in 1982, depicting the life of Golda Meir.

1985
Inducted into Colorado Women's Hall of Fame

Golda Meir was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 1985, acknowledging her remarkable achievements and impact.

1988
Golda: Golda Meir—The Romantic Years by Ralph G. Martin

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.

1990
Golda Meir: A Leader in Peace and War

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.

1998-03-20
Golda Meir

Information about Golda Meir from the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women on the Jewish Women's Archive website.

2001
Renee Taylor starts An Evening with Golda Meir

Renee Taylor begins a one-woman touring show called An Evening with Golda Meir.

2002
William Gibson's play Golda's Balcony premieres

William Gibson's play Golda's Balcony is performed in Massachusetts with Annette Miller playing Golda.

2010
Publication of 'The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership'

In 2010, 'The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership' was published, offering a narrative on Israeli leadership including Golda Meir.

2017
Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel by Francine Klagsbrun

In 2017, Francine Klagsbrun authored 'Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel,' exploring the relationship between Golda Meir and the nation of Israel.

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Golda Meir
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