Famous Jews in History: Golda Meir (1898–1978)

Golda Meir was Israel’s first and only female prime minister, and one of the most prominent women leaders of the 20th century. She came to the role in 1969 after decades of groundwork, fundraising for a state that did not yet exist, building institutions, and representing Israel on the world stage with her blunt, unmistakable voice.

She was not polished and she did not try to be. Golda spoke plainly, led decisively, and carried the weight of leadership in a young country still fighting for its survival. At a time when female political leadership was rare, she held her own among global powerbrokers and was taken seriously because she demanded to be.

Her legacy is not without controversy. Golda was prime minister during the Yom Kippur War, and the intelligence failures leading up to it remain a central criticism of her leadership. She later acknowledged the burden of those decisions, and resigned not long after.

Golda’s story is not one of perfection, but of responsibility. She is known for some very famous quotes, but she also said: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.” It is a fitting line for a leader who did not seek to be liked, only to do what she believed was necessary.

Golda Meir remains a reminder that leadership can be strong, flawed, and historic all at once.

Learn more: National Library of Israel – Golda Meir