GOLDA MEIR
May 3, 1898 - 1978

 If Greatness is given a name, it surely is Golda Meir

Meir, Golda (1898-1978), Israeli premier (1969-74), a founder of the state of Israel.

Meir was born on May 3, 1898, in Kyyiv, Russia (now Ukraine), and originally named Goldie Mabovitz or Mabovich.

Her father immigrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1905, and was joined by his family in 1906. She graduated from Milwaukee Teachers College, and in 1917 married Morris Myerson or Meyerson, whom she had met while attending high school in Denver, Colorado, in 1913. 

While still in her teens she became a Zionist, dedicated to building a homeland for Jews; in 1921 she and her husband immigrated to Palestine (now Israel).  Later they became the proud parents of Sarah and Menachem. 

Remaining active in Zionist affairs and in the labor movement, Meir served throughout the 1930s and '40s in various Zionist organizations in Palestine, Europe, and the United States.  She was a signer of the proclamation of the independence of the state of Israel in 1948 and served as her country's first minister to the USSR in 1948 and 1949; she was elected to the first Knesset, or parliament, of Israel and named minister of labor and social insurance in 1949.

Having separated from her husband in 1945, she Hebraized her surname to Meir in 1956.

That same year she became minister of foreign affairs and held that post until 1966, when she resigned from the cabinet. She served, successively, as Secretary-general of the Mapai party and of the united Israel Labor party from 1966 to 1968. She was prime minister from 1969 to 1974.  One of the hardest days in the life of Golda Meir was October 6, 1973 - the beginning of the Yom Kippur War. It was a great tragedy for Golda Meir.  In June, 1974, Golda Meir retired from political life.

Meir died in Jerusalem on December 8, 1978, at the age of 80.
 
 

QUOTES

"Moses dragged us through the desert to the one place in the Middle East where there is no oil".
 
 

AWARDS/HONORS 
 
 

Signer of the proclamation of independence for Israel 

Secretary of Council of Women Workers 

Member of the Executive Committee 

Minister to Russia for Israel 

Prime Minister for Israel
 
 

When the word "greatness" comes to mind, Golda Meir comes immediately to the forefront. Her commitment to her land and to her people was the paragon of human dedication. Her complete involvement, tempered with love, fired by fierce devotion, caused the world to know that she was a true mover of mountains. 

Dates and positions do not begin to explain the lasting positive influence of Golda Meir. She is still deeply loved today by her people and by millions more throughout the world. Her dedication to her country and her personal concern for all people are legendary. Whatever Golda Meir did, she did for the people. 
 
 

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