Meir, << may EER, >> Golda (1898-1978), served as prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974. During her political career, she supported large-scale immigration to Israel and major housing and other construction programs. Her main problem as prime minister was the territorial conflict between Israel and several Arab countries. Meir followed a firm policy toward the Arabs but was hopeful that peace with them could be achieved.
In October 1973, war broke out for the fourth time between Israel and the Arabs. Israel suffered heavy early losses, and Meir’s government was severely criticized. As a result, she resigned in June 1974, even though she had led the Labor Party to victory in the December 1973 elections.
Golda Meir was born Golda Mabovitz on May 3, 1898. She was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, which was then controlled by Russia. Her family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1906, and she later taught school there. In 1921, she went to Palestine and joined a collective farm village.
In 1948, part of Palestine became the new nation of Israel. Meir served as Israel’s minister of labor from 1949 to 1956 and as minister of foreign affairs from 1956 to 1966. She was secretary-general of the labor party Mapai from 1966 to 1968 and of the Labor Party in 1968. Meir died on Dec. 8, 1978.
