Golda Meir

Golda Meir
By Emma

1898-1978 Russia

Golda was born in Russia. Since her family was Jewish and most of Russia wasn't, Golda and her family were treated badly. Sometimes her father would have to board-up the house to keep out attacking terrorists.

When Golda was 8, she and her family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. They had enough of not fitting in with Russia. Since America was, and still is, a free country, they settled easily in Wisconsin. Golda's mom opened a small store, and her dad became a carpenter. Golda and her two sisters were educated in Milwaukee.

When Golda became a teen, her parent's wanted her to get married. Golda wasn't ready to make a life-long commitment. Since her parents kept urging her to get married, Golda went to live in Colorado with her sister, Shana.

In Denver, Golda was impressed with the Zionists who gathered in Shana's house. That's when Golda started to support Zionist communities. But astonishingly, though Golda traveled to Colorado to avoid marriage, she found Morris Meyerson, the man of her dreams. Morris, too, had immigrated from Russia to America to be treated better.

There was only one problem. Morris wanted to stay in the U.S., while Golda wanted to live in Eretz, Israel.

After a year in Colorado, Golda returned to Milwaukee. She then joined the Labor Zionist Movement, and decided to prepare to go to a school for teachers.

In late 1917, Golda learned about the Balfour Declaration giving Jews a homeland. Though Morris didn't want to leave the U.S., he didn't want to leave Golda, either. Finally, Morris chose to go to Palestine territory with Golda.

Golda and Morris joined a kibbutz, a settlement, in Galilee. Golda adjusted to life in a kibbutz, but Morris didn't. Then they moved to Jerusalem. There Morris found an office job.

Golda was a house lady. She stayed at home and kept a watchful eye on her son and daughter. But Golda didn't like her job and place in life at that present moment. Soon, she decided to take a different path of life, which led to a break-up between her and Morris. Though Golda missed her kids, she noticed that the early Jewish state called to Golda and her talents. In 1932, Golda toured the U.S.A. She spoke to Jewish/American women, raised money for good causes, and supported many peoples hopes and dreams.

When she returned home, she was welcomed into an Executive Histadrut committee.

At the eve of World War II, many Jews fought against Hitler and Nazis. Throughout some tough years, she tried to negotiate with England to have her people open to their land. As the proclamation declaring Jewish independence neared, Golda was sent on a dangerous mission....

She impersonated an Arab woman, and she was smuggled across the border into Jordan. She tried to make sure King Abdullah of Jordan kept his promise not to invade the new state. Abdullah said he will not go against friends. He would not invade as he promised.

Four days later, Israel declared itself a real nation. Golda then signed the Israeli Declaration proudly. Flag of Israel

She became Minister of Labor and Development and had to deal with many refugees that needed homes, food, medical attention, and other essential things.

In 1956, Golda became foreign minister. Then Golda Mabovitch Meyerson changed her name to Golda Meir, a name that went well with the Hebrew language.

Thirteen years later, at age 71, Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel. That was a great honor to Meir.

The worst crisis Meir experienced in office was when Israel was attacked in October. Egyptian and Syrian forces both invaded at the same time. Israeli forces weren't ready to fight yet. Meir was heartily sorry for not preparing an army for Israel. Golda Meir

Israel eventually fought away the Egyptians and Syrians.

Then Golda retired. She was 75. She died of leukemia on December 8, 1978.

Golda Meir was a very brave person, coping with invading forces, being Israel's Prime Minister, and battling at a hard time in history.

Citations

Books

Adler, David A. Our Golda. New York: Viking Press (1984).

Taitz, Emily. Remarkable Jewish Women; Rebels, Rabbis, and other Women from Biblical Times to the Present. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, (1996).

Images

Image of Golda Meir from "ArtToday.com" <http://members.clipart.com/en/index> (2003).

All other images from "Microsoft Office Design Gallery Live" <http://dgl.microsoft.com/?CAG=1> Images free for non-profit and personal use. (December-April, 2003).