Golda Meir Biography

The first ever woman to be elected the Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir was a person of strong character known for her honest and straightforward ways. An active Zionist she was passionate about everything she became involved in. Prior to being elected as the country’s Prime Minister, she had held various posts under the Israeli government including those of the Minister of Labour and Foreign Minister. A formidable personality, she was called the ‘Iron Lady’ of Israeli politics; she was also called ‘the best man in the government’ by former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. She was born in Russia and her family immigrated to the U.S. because of political tensions and dangers in their home country. She displayed leadership qualities from a young age and formed the American Young Sisters Society while still at school. She also became aware about the issues of women’s suffrage, trade unionism, and most importantly, the Zionist movement. She moved to Palestine as a young woman and became actively involved in the country’s politics. She was one of the 24 signatories who signed the Israeli Declaration of Independence which established a separate State of Israel. After decades of dedicated political work she was made the Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, becoming the first woman in her country to reach to that position.