Golda Meir
1898–1978 · Israeli (Kiev / Milwaukee / Tel Aviv) · Israeli Independence, Cold War
Known for: Israel's first (and only) female Prime Minister—'the Iron Lady of Israel' who led through the Yom Kippur War
Golda Meir grew up in Milwaukee, emigrated to Palestine, and rose through the labor movement to become Israel's fourth Prime Minister (1969-1974). She led Israel through the Yom Kippur War (1973)—a devastating surprise attack that nearly destroyed the country before Israel counterattacked and won.
She was called 'the best man in government' by David Ben-Gurion (meant as a compliment) and 'the Iron Lady' before Thatcher. She resigned after the Yom Kippur War commission criticized the government's failure to prepare for the attack.
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