Golda Meir: The Girl from Milwaukee who Became Prime Minister | Great Jewish Heroes | Unpacked

Summary

Golda Meir, a formidable figure in Zionism and Israel’s political history, exemplified the blend of universal ideals with particular commitments. Born in Kiev in 1898 and later moving to Milwaukee, she combined her passion for Jewish nationalism with socialist principles. Her political journey led her from organizing labor unions in Israel to serving as the Prime Minister. Despite critiques of her leadership during the Yom Kippur War, Meir’s lasting influence encompasses her dedication to Israel’s independence, her fostering of international cooperation, especially in Africa, and her unwavering commitment to Jewish and humanitarian causes.

Highlights

• Golda Meir's unique blend of Zionist nationalism and universal socialist ideals made her a distinctive leader. ✨
• Born in Kiev, raised in Milwaukee, she transitioned from American life to Israeli leadership seamlessly. 🌎
• As Prime Minister, her leadership was both groundbreaking and contentious, particularly during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. ⚔️
• She played a pivotal role in shaping Israel's welfare system and international aid initiatives, especially in Africa. 🤝
• Gender equality was a personal and political priority for Meir, evident in her witty retorts and policy stances. 🗣️

Key Takeaways

• Golda Meir was a pioneer in blending Zionist nationalism with socialist ideals, challenging false dichotomies. 🌍
• Her early life in Milwaukee and experiences in Israel shaped her as a key leader in Zionism and Israeli politics. 🌟
• Meir's tenure as Prime Minister was notable, though controversial, especially regarding the Yom Kippur War. ⚡
• She left a global legacy, exemplified by her work with African nations and her strong stance on peace and security. 🌏
• Her sharp wit and commitment to gender equality helped her navigate male-dominated political environments. 💪

Overview

Golda Meir's life is a testament to the dynamic intersection of nationalist and socialist principles. Born in 1898 in Kiev, her family fled anti-Semitic persecution to the shores of the United States, settling in Milwaukee. It was here that Golda’s tenacity and leadership qualities first blossomed, paving her way towards becoming an integral figure in the Zionist movement and Israeli state-building.

Navigating through waves of personal sacrifice and political challenges, Golda Meir rose to prominence within the Zionist Labour Movement. Her efforts in labor rights, social welfare advancements, and her role in raising critical funds for Israel's independence were monumental. Her journey from an immigrant in America to Israel’s Prime Minister underscores a legacy of resilience and dedication to Israeli and global progress.

Despite contentious moments, such as the Yom Kippur War, her legacy is enriched by her outreach to developing nations and her forthright stand on issues of peace and security. Revered as a liberal Zionist pioneer, her story resonates as one of balancing particular national interests with broader humanitarian values, inspiring countless leaders worldwide.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: The False Choice Between Liberalism and Zionism The chapter discusses the perceived dichotomy between liberalism and Zionism. It questions whether one can simultaneously be a good liberal and a good Zionist, as many believe these ideologies are mutually exclusive. This perception leads to the notion that one must either commit to universal principles of healing the world or have a particular loyalty to a specific group. Because of this supposed binary choice, Zionists are often characterized as excessively nationalistic and illiberal.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Introduction to Golda Meir The chapter introduces Golda Meir, highlighting her as a notable figure in Israeli history. It opens by dismissing a supposed dichotomy between altruism and universalism, presenting Golda Meir as an embodiment of both. Her role as the Prime Minister of Israel is acknowledged, with a particular emphasis on her pride in Jewish nationalism.
• 01:00 - 02:00: Golda's Early Life and Beliefs Golda Meir was a tough and witty Zionist dedicated to building the state of Israel, motivated by seeing Jews being consistently oppressed. Her story and the story of Israel are tied to the return to their ancestral homeland as exiles fleeing persecution, insecurity, and fear. Beyond nationalism, Golda was also a proud, universally-minded socialist who aimed to contribute to creating a better world. Her dual beliefs illustrate the complexity of her character as both a nationalist Zionist and a socialist.
• 02:00 - 03:00: Golda’s Move to Milwaukee and Her Education Golda was involved in a community where everyone was considered equal. She was an advocate for workers' rights and played a role in founding a significant labor union. Golda also championed national health care as part of a comprehensive social welfare package. As a Zionist, she believed that even a young, poor, and developing country like Israel should reach out and assist the rest of the world. Despite her various activities and advocacies, Golda's dedication to the Jewish people and the idea of a Jewish democratic state remained strong and unwavering.
• 03:00 - 04:00: Golda in Denver and Her Early Activism The chapter "Golda in Denver and Her Early Activism" provides a glimpse into Golda Meir's early influences and experiences that shaped her as a prominent progressive Zionist. Born in 1898 in Kiev, Ukraine, one of her earliest memories involved her father boarding up their home to protect against anti-Semitic pogroms. This childhood fear and stress cemented her belief in the necessity of a safe Jewish homeland in Israel, a sentiment she actively advocated for throughout her life.
• 04:00 - 05:00: Marriage and Move to Israel The chapter titled 'Marriage and Move to Israel' discusses the sentiments of individual freedom within a community, emphasizing that people shouldn't have to worry about their neighbors' opinions. In the context of 1943, as horrific events unfolded during the Holocaust with 6 million Jews being murdered by the Nazis, the chapter highlights Golda Meir's perception of Zionism. Golda Meir defines Zionism as fundamentally about rescuing Jews, but more than mere survival, it was about creating a strong, defensible homeland for the Jewish people after centuries of displacement and homelessness.
• 05:00 - 08:00: Golda’s Political Career and Achievements Golda Meir's family moved from Russia to Milwaukee in 1906 to escape persecution. In 1912, Golda graduated as the valedictorian of her school, becoming the first in her family to graduate elementary school. Her vision and hopes were for Jews to return to their homeland and create a better society.
• 08:00 - 09:30: Golda as Foreign Minister and the "Mother of Africa" The chapter explores the early life of Golda, focusing on her teenage years in Denver. Rebelling against her mother's traditional expectations, where she was expected to be merely a housewife, Golda became actively involved in discussions about achieving equality for women, workers, and Jews. Influenced by socialist Zionist ideals, she believed in using the new Jewish state to establish an egalitarian and cooperative society.
• 09:30 - 11:00: Return to Politics and Leadership before the 1967 War Golda married Morris Meyerson in 1917. They moved to Kibbutz Mercavia in Israel in 1921.
• 11:00 - 15:00: Golda as Prime Minister and the Yom Kippur War The chapter titled "Golda as Prime Minister and the Yom Kippur War" discusses Golda Meir's early struggles and dedication as a leader. She balanced her role as a mother and a political figure, often facing unique challenges. During the preparations for Zionist independence in 1948, David Ben-Gurion tasked her with an important mission to the United States to raise funds for the new state of Israel. Despite the high expectations to secure seven million dollars, Golda aimed for 25 million, demonstrating her ambition and commitment to the Zionist cause.
• 15:00 - 17:00: Golda Meir's Legacy The chapter narrates the story of Golda Meir's significant contribution to the establishment of Israel. It highlights her efforts in raising nearly 50 million dollars, as Ben Gurion noted, which was crucial for the making of the state. It also recounts a specific event in early May 1948, where Meir disguised herself as an Arab woman to secretly meet King Abdullah of Jordan with hopes of fostering peace, despite the backdrop of impending conflict.

Golda Meir: The Girl from Milwaukee who Became Prime Minister | Great Jewish Heroes | Unpacked Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 can you be a good liberal and a good zionist well given the increasingly either or world in which we live many assume the answer to be no you must choose you can either have a universal commitment to healing the world or a particular loyalty to a specific group and in fact because of this supposed choice zionists have been caricatured as two nationalists and illiberal neither
• 00:30 - 01:00 altruistic nor universalistic but as it turns out that choice is a false one and to see that we needn't look further than golda meir we welcome you as the prime minister of israel [Music] golda meir was a force she was a proud jewish nationalist a
• 01:00 - 01:30 tough witty zionist who was tired of seeing jews get pushed around and helped build the state of israel the story of modern israel is essentially the story of the return to the ancestral homeland of exiles from persecution insecurity and fear golda meir was an equally proud universally minded socialist trying to make the world a better place here was a zionist who chose to live in
• 01:30 - 02:00 a community where everybody was equal who defended workers rights who helped found a powerful labor union and to champion national health care as part of an elaborate social welfare package for all and here was a zionist who insisted that even as a young poor and primitive country israel should extend itself to help the rest of the world and yet none of these activities ever weakened her full-time commitment to the jewish people and the jewish democratic
• 02:00 - 02:30 state israel there's nobody else that in the world that wants peace more than we do so how did a milwaukee schoolgirl end up being the world's most famous progressive zionist born in 1898 in kiev ukraine her earliest memory was her father boarding up their front door against rumored programs jew-hating riots remembering that fear she would say about israel above all this country is
• 02:30 - 03:00 our own nobody has to get up in the morning and worry what his neighbors think of him and in 1943 as the nazis murdered 6 million jews she defined the jewish nationalist movement zionism at its most basic saying there is no zionism except the rescue of jews but for golda meir merely surviving was never enough yes zionism was about defending jews after centuries of homelessness and
• 03:00 - 03:30 persecution but it was also about redefining the role of the jew in the world when jews would return to their homeland she imagined they would make a better society but back to her story golda meibovich's family moved from russia to the safety of milwaukee in 1906. when she graduated as valedictorian of the 4th street school in 1912 she became the first person in her family to graduate elementary school
• 03:30 - 04:00 today it is the golden ear school for gifted and talented youth rebelling against her mother who insisted she would only be a housewife young golda ran away to denver following her sister shayna in denver the 14 year old joined the great debates her sister had with others about how to gain equality for women for workers for jews they believed in socialist zionism's promise to use the new jewish state to create an ideal egalitarian cooperative
• 04:00 - 04:30 society in 1917 golda married a socialist dreamer morris meyerson the two moved to kibbutz mercavia in israel in 1921 but the couple drifted apart as golda who eventually he realized her last name to mayor became one of the most important zionist leaders in the pre-stay period she helped found mapai the labour party of the land of israel in 1930. sometimes her two young children had to attend
• 04:30 - 05:00 labour party meetings just to see their mother it wasn't easy golda meir once wrote an essay borrowed mothers describing her inner struggles and the despair of the mother who goes to work as being without parallel in human experience as the zionist leaders prepared to declare their independence in 1948 david ben-gurion sent goldmaire to america to raise money for the new state some hoped she would raise seven million dollars she aimed for 25 million dollars and she
• 05:00 - 05:30 returned with nearly 50 million dollars legend has it in suitcases mostly in one dollar and five dollar bills when the history of israel is written one day ben gurion proclaimed it will say there was a jewish woman who got the money to make this date in early may 1948 golda meir dressed up as an arab woman and traveled to jordan to meet king abdullah secretly she was hoping for peace he was preparing for war
• 05:30 - 06:00 when the king suggested that there was no hurry to proclaim the state of israel as soon as great britain left palestine as the un decided it should do she responded we've been waiting for two thousand years is that haring a few days later when she was one of two women and 22 men to sign israel's declaration of independence this tough no-nonsense woman cried when i studied american history as a schoolgirl and i read about those who
• 06:00 - 06:30 signed the declaration of independence she explained i couldn't imagine these were real people doing something real and there i was sitting down and signing a declaration of establishment as the state grew so did golda meir's responsibilities as labour minister from 1949 to 1956 she supervised the building of 200 000 apartments 30 000 houses hundreds of new businesses and dozens of
• 06:30 - 07:00 new roads she also helped developed israel's national insurance act of 1954 which remains the centerpiece of israel's social welfare system remembering the social and religious debates of her youth she was still trying to make every jew safe proud free and economically secure too in those days golda meir also got used to dismissing all kinds of sexist remarks with her sharp wit
• 07:00 - 07:30 when a cabinet colleague suggested a curfew to keep women home after dark to protect them from rapists she retorted but it's the men who are attacking the women if there's to be a curfew let the men stay at home this kind of sharpness helped golda meir as foreign minister become the face of israel tough modern yet also old-fashioned wise funny and deeply jewish when she took the job in 1956 israel was
• 07:30 - 08:00 poor and struggling nevertheless she launched a special israeli initiative to work with developing countries primarily in africa since then israel's agriculture experts at mashaav have trained over 230 000 farmers and technical experts in 140 different developing countries amazed by her generosity and impact the legendary tanzanian president and anti-colonialist fighter julius nyerier
• 08:00 - 08:30 called golda meir the mother of africa in 1966 feeling sick and tired golda meir retired from the foreign ministry within months though she came back becoming secretary general of the socialist zionist mapai party to support her friend prime minister levy eshkol during the tense days before the 1967 war people criticized eshkol for not knowing what to do as israel's arab neighbors threatened to throw the jews
• 08:30 - 09:00 into the sea but golda insisted a leader who doesn't hesitate before he sends his nation into battle is not fit to be a leader golda meir hated war but understood the zionist imperative when the enemy threatens you and your children aim there is no choice we have to protect ourselves how we'll see the best way we can that sensibility shaped two of her most
• 09:00 - 09:30 famous quips about the arab israeli conflict in 1957 she predicted that peace will come when the arabs will love their children more than they hate us and in 1969 she added that when peace comes we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the arabs for killing our sons but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons levy eshkol died suddenly in 1969 and the labour party chose golda meir to
• 09:30 - 10:00 replace him being 70 she died is no sin but it's not a joke either her five years as prime minister were rocky historians criticize her for not being sufficiently sensitive to the rights of jewish immigrants from arab countries for not acknowledging palestinian nationhood and most problematic of all for listening to those generals who ignored signs of an impending egyptian syrian surprise attack before yom kippur in 1973 and mobilizing the troops too late
• 10:00 - 10:30 others note the leadership she offered throughout the 1973 war which israel eventually won inspired by her toughness the very existence the future of the jewish people depends upon israel being free and safe or not regardless of her political legacy as prime minister golda meir's zionist and liberal legacy is far more golden
• 10:30 - 11:00 her love of her country and her people combined with her love of humanity made her not only the mother of africa not only israel's jewish grandmother but one of the main symbols of the kind of nationalist and egalitarian liberalism that gave birth to zionism golda meir wasn't perfect but she is a perfect example of a liberal zionist who refused to live in the land of false choices of either or but was happy to
• 11:00 - 11:30 live in the messier but more fulfilling world of the and the juggler the balancer redeeming the jewish people and the world [Music]