Born on March 3, 1898 in Kiev, Ukraine, Golda Meir was raised in a Jewish family and immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. They settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Meir attended school and became involved in various social causes.
From a young age, Meir showed leadership qualities, organizing campaigns and fundraisers to help pay for textbooks for her less fortunate classmates. This early display of compassion and activism would be a recurring theme throughout her life.
Meir's political career began when she moved to British Mandate Palestine in 1921 to join Kibbutz Merhavia. She quickly rose through the ranks of the Labor Zionist movement, eventually becoming a prominent figure in Israeli politics.
In 1969, Meir was elected as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, becoming the world's third woman to hold a country's highest political office. During her tenure, she led Israel through one of its most challenging times - the Yom Kippur War. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Meir's leadership and determination led the country to victory.
Meir was known for her no-nonsense approach to politics, earning her the nickname "Iron Lady" before the term was popularized by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She was not afraid to make tough decisions, including ordering the Mossad to hunt down and assassinate suspected leaders and operatives of Black September and PFLP, who were responsible for the killings of eleven Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
In December 1917, Meir married Morris Meyerson, a sign painter. The couple had two children together, but Meir's political career often kept her away from her family. Despite the challenges of balancing her personal and professional lives, Meir remained dedicated to her country and her people.
Golda Meir passed away on December 8, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of strength, determination, and unwavering dedication to the State of Israel. Her contributions to Israeli politics and society continue to be remembered and celebrated to this day.
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