Golda Meir: The Iron Lady of Israel

From humble beginnings to the heights of leadership

Golda Meir, born Golda Mabovitz on May 3, 1898, in Kiev, Ukraine, was an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential leaders in Israeli history. Despite facing adversity and discrimination throughout her life, Meir's unwavering determination and iron will led her to become Israel's fourth prime minister, serving from 1969 to 1974.

A Legacy of Struggle and Triumph

Meir's early life was marked by poverty and persecution. Her family fled to the United States when she was eight years old, seeking refuge from the pogroms that ravaged Eastern Europe at the time. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Meir faced yet another challenge: anti-Semitism. Undeterred, she immersed herself in Zionist activities and became a vocal advocate for the creation of a Jewish state.

In 1921, Meir immigrated to Palestine, which was then under British rule. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of kibbutzim, communal settlements where people worked together to build a thriving agricultural society. Meir's unwavering belief in social justice and equality led her to advocate for women's rights and create opportunities for all Israelis.